Ferguson and beyond: Race relations in modern America

A recent article in The Telegraph (U.K.) was titled, “A Black President Couldn’t Stop the Ferguson Race Riots.” The article isolates a disconcerting dichotomy in American race relations, noting that beyond a gloss of progress lays a foundation still mired in intolerance, inequality and violence. The tragic events in Ferguson sparked important discussions regarding race. Yet, since the shooting of Michael Brown, troubling examples of racial tension have arisen in our communities and on college campuses. What is the current state of race relations in America? How may citizens build a more ethical, tolerant and stable foundation for American youth? 

President Clif Smart will moderate this session with presentations by actor Iké Amadi; Matt Marinec, confidential assistant to the director, US Office of Ethics; Yu-Hsien Sharon Wu, co-founder of US-China Education and Culture Center; and Angela Hollway-Payne, principal of Dexter Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee.