Fred D. Gray Institute for Human & Civil Rights
Inaugural National Symposium
2025 Symposium Overview
Inspiring Change Through Actionable Dialogue
At the 2025 Inaugural National Symposium, scholars, activists, and community leaders united to continue Attorney Fred D. Gray’s legacy in advancing civil rights. This symposium, rooted in critical topics like medical racism, voting rights, human and civil rights law, and equal access to quality education, served as a catalyst for positive change.
Creating a Lasting Impact in Civil Rights
This Symposium is more than just a gathering; it’s a pivotal opportunity to address today’s pressing issues in civil rights. Our goal is to foster meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies, positioning the Gray Institute as a beacon for justice and advocacy.
For Instance
The focus of one session was the place of civil rights law in an era when the judiciary seems indifferent to civil rights claims, and considered the relationship between civil rights lawyering and social mobilization. Attorney Gray’s work consistently showed his understanding that lawyers do not operate in a vacuum but must have a symbiotic relationship to grass-roots activism.
Our Purpose
The Inaugural National Symposium provided innovative scholarship that led to practical outcomes, especially as an outgrowth of Attorney Gray’s life’s work in medical racism, voting rights, gerrymandering, human and civil rights law, equal access to quality education for all, and toward the rejuvenation of Tuskegee and the surrounding region.
Desired Outcomes
Each session sought to embed thoughtful panel interaction with engaged discussions that invited deeper exploration and required practical outcomes and strategic actions. The sessions answered questions like: What are the implications? How can we deepen this conversation? What shall we do? What’s next?
Ambience
Diverse speakers and moderated panels included ample time for participants to join the conversation and contribute to Q&A and reflection sessions and small-group discussions. Participants and speakers had time before, during, and after the symposium for generative conversations and connection.
OUR VISION
“To sustain and advance human and civil rights by building on the foundational principles of Fred Gray’s legal work and activism through educating, convening, collaborating, by regional rejuvenation, and refurbishing a robust Tuskegee History Center.”
The 2025 Fred D. Gray Institute Fellows
WHO ATTENDED
A Diverse Gathering of Changemakers
Our symposium welcomed:
- Lawyers, law professors, and students
- Community organizers, public officials, and activists
- Voting rights advocates, medical ethicists, and educators
- Engaged citizens committed to social justice
We hosted thought leaders and advocates ready to contribute to the ongoing fight for equality and human rights.
Partners Program
Make an Enduring Impact
By joining the Gray Institute Partners, you’re not only supporting Mr. Gray’s vision, but you’re also becoming part of a movement that will shape the future of civil rights in America.
To join, please fill out the form below. Make sure to include your first name, last name, and email address. This information will allow us to add you to our Partners Directory and keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and initiatives.
The Fred D. Gray Institute for Human and Civil Rights is part of the Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center, aka Tuskegee History Center (the Center), is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and its EIN is 72-1378363.
Partnership Levels
Gray Institute Partner
$1,000 (one-time or annual gift)
Senior Partner
$2,500 (one-time or annual gift)
Sustaining Partner
$5,000 (one-time or annual gift)
Founding Partners
Join us in 2024 and 2025 to become a Founding Partner,
collaborating with Mr. Gray to ensure the Institute’s success.
Partners Program
Make an Enduring Impact
By joining the Gray Institute Partners, you’re not only supporting Mr. Gray’s vision, but you’re also becoming part of a movement that will shape the future of civil rights in America.
Partnership Levels
Gray Institute Partner
$1,000 (one-time or annual gift)
Senior Partner
$2,500 (one-time or annual gift)
Sustaining Partner
$5,000 (one-time or annual gift)
Founding Partners
Join us in 2024 and 2025 to become a Founding Partner,
collaborating with Mr. Gray to ensure the Institute’s success.
To join, please fill out the form below. Make sure to include your first name, last name, and email address. This information will allow us to add you to our Partners Directory and keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and initiatives.
Stay in touch
Join Our Community of Changemakers
Stay connected with the Fred D. Gray Institute and receive the latest updates on our Inaugural National Symposium! Sign up to receive important announcements, speaker additions, session highlights, and future event invitations. Symposium or Donation Questions? Please email us at info@fredgrayinstitute.com.