April 16, 2026, The W. Haywood Burns Chair in Human and Civil Rights’ final event of the 2025-2026 year featured a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Tennessee Assemblymember Justin J. Pearson, exploring the state of our democracy and bold approaches to creating meaningful change. The program concluded with closing reflections from Kristen Clarke, who spoke to this critical political moment and the vital role that lawyers and advocates can play in advancing a stronger, more just, and inclusive democracy.
