The Urban Public Policy Resolution (UPPR) Consortium at Wayne State hosts, a one-day symposium to examine the 1968 report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission.
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 3
Student Center Ballroom
Wayne State University
The Kerner Commission, established by President Lyndon Johnson, examined episodic disorders in Newark and Detroit. Both civil disturbances shocked the nation and occurred during a two-week period in July 1967. After an extensive study, the Commission issued a brutally revealing report concluding that “Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal.”
Detroit: Past Present and Future will connect public policy authorities and scholarly experts to address three questions:
- What did the Commission find about the state of economic and social conditions in cities such as Detroit?
- How have these conditions changed in Detroit since the Commission issued its report?
- What do our city and nation need to do to realize the Commission’s aim “to fulfill our pledge of equality and to meet the fundamental needs of a democratic and civilized society—domestic peace and social justice?”