Lawyers To Remember 'Brown,' 60 years Later

The Philadelphia Bar Association and The Barristers' Association of Philadelphia are partnering to host a commemorative event in honor of the 60th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional. The “Remembering the Legacy: Brown v. Board of Education – 60 Years Later” event will begin at 4 p.m. at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church at 419 S. 6th St.

The program will include keynote remarks from Harold Jackson, editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial page. Additional speakers include 45th Governor of Pennsylvania, Hon. Edward G. Rendell; Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler; Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor William P. Fedullo, Esq.; and The Barristers' Association of Philadelphia President Amber Racine, Esq. Registration for the event has closed.

“Brown v. Board of Education was the most impactful case from the United States Supreme Court during my lifetime,” said Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor William P. Fedullo. “Given the fundamental economic issues that our public education system is facing day-to-day, I don’t believe we are living up to the spirit of the ruling.”

“The Brown v. Board of Education decision was a vital part of the civil rights movement in our country,” said Barristers’ President Amber Racine, Esq. “It is important that we remember the lessons taught by the attorneys and the Court.”

The event will feature the premiere of a commemorative video created especially for this occasion featuring numerous Philadelphia attorneys and judges who will offer personal reflections and discuss the impact the Brown v. Board of Education decision had on their lives and careers. KYW Newsradio’s Cherri Gregg conducted the interviews.

Those featured in the video include: Clarence D. "Clay" Armbrister, president, Girard College; Nolan N. Atkinson, Jr., partner & chief diversity officer, Duane Morris LLP; Albert S. Dandridge III, partner, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP and Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor-Elect; Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor William P. Fedullo; Honorable James T. Giles (ret.), of counsel, Pepper Hamilton LLP; Honorable C. Darnell Jones, district court judge, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Honorable Lydia Y. Kirkland (ret.); president, The Judicial Council - Clifford Scott Green Chapter; Charisse R. Lillie, vice president of Community Investment of Comcast Corporation; Honorable Theodore A. McKee, chief judge, Barristers’ President Amber Racine; United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; Bernard W. Smalley, Sr., senior counsel, Tucker Law Group LLC; and Honorable Petrese B. Tucker, chief district court judge, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania helps address the professional needs and development of Black lawyers in the City of Philadelphia and surrounding areas through programs such as seminars, cultural events, and publications.

The Philadelphia Bar Association, founded in 1802, is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States. The mission of the Association is to serve the profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law. In so doing, the Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system.