SCHOOL OF LAW CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas School of Law is celebrating Black History month with the following events.

"The Elaine Race Riot: A Debate" will take place at 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Lelfar Law Center Courtroom. Author and novelist Grif Stockley will debate UA history department chair Jeannie Whayne regarding the issues surrounding the devastating riots near Elaine, Ark. in 1919, where many African-Americans died at the hands of their white neighbors. Stockley, a 1972 graduate of the UA School of Law, is the author of Blood in Their Eyes: The Elaine Race Massacres of 1919. The issue of the debate questions the U.S. Army’s involvement in the riots. Tom Dillard, curator of the Butler Center, will serve as moderator. The debate is sponsored by the University of Arkansas School of Law and the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences as part of the Hartman Hotz Lectures in law and liberal arts.

A dedication and celebration honoring the first six African Americans admitted to the University of Arkansas School of Law, will take place at 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, in the Leflar Law Center Courtroom. The Six Pioneers Room Ceremony, hosted by the Black Law Student Association, the Student Bar Association and the University of Arkansas School of Law is made possible through the gracious support of the Bernard Whetstone Legal Education Enhancement Fund. Special guests include professor Miller Williams; photographer Geleve Grice, whose photographs are on exhibit throughout the month of February in the Arkansas Union; and Christopher Mercer, one of the original six pioneers.

A light reception will follow each event.

UA School of Law Dean Robert Moberly said, "The School of Law is delighted to be a part of the celebration of African-American culture and history."

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