Emroch Lecture: Hidden Histories of Black Civil Rights

Weaving together a variety of sources—from state and federal appellate courts to long-forgotten documents found in county courthouse basements, from family interviews to church records—Prof. Penningroth's research seeks to reveal how African Americans thought about, talked about, and used the law long before the marches of the 1960s. In a world that denied their constitutional rights, Black people built lives for themselves through common law “rights of everyday use.” Focusing on these paradigmatic nineteenth-century “civil rights” reveals unexpected intersections between race and private law, and illuminates a vision of Black life that is allied with, yet distinct from, the freedom struggle.

This program will be held in person in the Moot Courtroom at the University of Richmond School of Law. Boxed lunches will be provided.

About the Emanuel Emroch Lecture Series: This lecture series brings topical speakers to Richmond Law thanks to the Emanuel Emroch Endowment. The endowment was created in honor of Emanuel Emroch, L’31. Today, it is supported by Emanuel Emroch’s son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Karen Emroch.

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Host or Publisher University of Richmond School of Law