The 33rd Annual Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights
Economic Empowerment:
The Unfinished Business of Civil Rights
May 1-2, 2019
Rowling Hall
While it has been more than fifty years since Martin Luther King, Jr., argued, “our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality,” issues of economic empowerment are often neglected in today’s conversations on race.
This two-day gathering will explore both the historical and contemporary issues related to economic empowerment, such as: entrepreneurship, wealth-building, racial capitalism, self-determination, and innovation. By placing all of these issues into the unique context of Austin, Texas, we hope to promote a healthy exchange of ideas that ultimately lead toward solutions. RSVP for the Symposium at Eventbrite.
Community Leadership Awards
The Community Leadership Awards have been given to outstanding community leaders, organizations and alumni since 2007 as a way to celebrate those who have helped make great strides in civil rights, human rights or inclusion and equity in central Texas.
A special luncheon will be held in the Texas Union Ballroom from 12:30 – 2:30 PM on May 2, 2019. There is no cost for participants. RSVP for the luncheon at Eventbrite. For more information or accommodations please call 512-471-3212.
Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Mr. Bryant is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, philanthropist and prominent thought leader on financial inclusion, economic empowerment and financial dignity. Bryant is the founder, chairman and CEO of Operation Hope, Inc., the largest nonprofit and best-in-class provider of financial literacy, financial inclusion and economic empowerment tools and services in the United States for youth and adults. See johnhopebryant.com.
This year marks the 33rd year of the Sweatt Symposium. The Heman Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights is an annual event organized by students, faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin. The symposium is named after Heman Marion Sweatt, the first African American admitted into the UT School of Law after the Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case of Sweatt v. Painter in 1950.