January 17, 2017

American conversations about race are defined by the sobering realities of history and the poignant echoes of memory. Given the complexity of the past and the fractured nature of our present moment, no easy solutions exist for the vexing problem of racial inequality. However, on an issue of such enduring importance, progressives and conservatives must recognize the common ground that we all can share: a firm belief in the value of learning and teaching together.

In commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Hauenstein Center is proud to partner with Grand Valley’s Division of Inclusion and Equity hosted this event on race and the American Dream. Jason Riley, columnist and editorial board member at The Wall Street Journal and Senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joined Nikole Hannah-Jones, award-winning staff writer at The New York Times Magazine, for a dialogue on the progress that has been made since the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the challenges that continue to exist, in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Watch a video of the event here.