50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education commemorated nationwide

The 50th anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision that outlawed “separate but equal” schools will be commemorated nationwide this month in events ranging from symposiums to interactive exhibits to poster competitions.

In California, the Judicial Council and Administrative Office of the Courts will hold a statewide symposium in Sacramento May 17, featuring a series of panels and well-known speakers. The daylong event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center. To register, call 415-865-7745.

In addition, an historic exhibit, “The Long Walk to Freedom,” is on display at the Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, 455 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, through May 17. The interactive exhibit focuses on the civil rights movement.

The American Bar Association developed a variety of programs and resources in recognition of the decision; information is available at abanet.org/brown/home.html.

The Library of Congress will open an exhibition, “With an Even Hand: Brown v. Board at Fifty” on May 13; it continues through Nov. 13. The exhibit will be in the South Gallery of the Thomas Jefferson Building’s Great Hall, 10 First St., S.E., in Washington, D.C.

The State Bar produced a brochure, found on pages 17-18, that was sent to public school superintendents throughout California for distribution in their districts.