Brown V Board Coalition Announces 72nd Anniversary Even Will Feature Nationally Renowned Civil Rights Attorney And Grammy-Award-Winning Artist
On May 17, 2026, at Townsite Topeka, the Brown v Board Anniversary Coalition, in partnership with The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, will co-sponsor a commemoration of the 72nd anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Oliver Brown et al v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, et al.
On May 17, 1954, at 12:52 p.m., Chief Justice Earl Warren announced the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. To commemorate the anniversary of this historic milestone, the co-sponsors will host a banquet-style event, featuring nationally recognized attorney Ben Crump, who is known for his work on prominent civil rights cases that advance justice and pursue accountability. Crump, who recently won an Emmy Award for his documentary work, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Also taking the stage will be performance poet J. Ivy, who has won three Grammy Awards, a Peabody Award, and an NAACP Image Award.
“The Brown v. Board decision is a powerful reminder that change is possible when courage, community and conviction come together,” said Dr. Beryl New, co-chair of the Brown v Board Coalition. “As we mark the 72nd anniversary, we wanted our speakers and performers to reflect the gravity of what it means to celebrate this watershed moment today. We are thrilled to have Mr. Crump and J. Ivy joining us to not only honor history, but to create space to examine where we are today and how we collectively move forward in the ongoing pursuit of justice.”
The Coalition encourages those interested in attending to save the date. More information about the event, including where to purchase tickets, is expected to be available mid-March.
“This anniversary will serve as a moment of celebration and reflection, as we recommit, locally and nationally, to civil rights progress,” said Glenda Washington, Brown v Board Coalition co-chair. “The work that began in Topeka in 1954 continues today. Gatherings like this help ensure the lessons of Brown v. Board remain relevant, visible and transformative, for future generations.”
