From Dred Scott and the 14th Amendment to Wong Kim Ark's Journey Toward Citizenship
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | Reception 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm | Program 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Online Registration is now closed. Walk In Registrations will be accepted!
Format: In Person
Where: New York City Bar
42 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Program Fee:
Free for Members | $20 for Non-Members
Description:
Join our panel of legal and policy experts as they examine the historical and constitutional foundations of birthright citizenship in the United States. The 1856 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision denied African Americans citizenship and reinforced systemic injustice—and a legacy that was only overturned with the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868. That amendment guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., and yet proposals to eliminate birthright citizenship continue to surface. This panel will explore the legal history, the enduring impact of Dred Scott, and the critical importance of safeguarding the rights enshrined in the 14th Amendment.
Opening Remarks:
Prof. Sophia Murashkovsky Romma, United Nations Committee, Chair
Moderator:
Yveline Dalmacy, United Nations Committee, Secretary
Keynote Speakers:
Adriennette Williams, Founding Board Member of the George Floyd Foundation, Fmr. Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)
Special Hagan, Law Offices of Special Hagan
Speakers:
Adriennette Williams, Founding Board Member of the George Floyd Foundation, Fmr. Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)
Special Hagan, Law Offices of Special Hagan
Prof. Sophia Murashkovsky Romma, Chair, United Nations Committee & International Human Rights Attorney
Dr. Ugoji Adanma Eze, Barrister & Human Rights and Constitutional Law Committee, Chair, African Bar Association
Barbara Horn, Representative, United Nations, Athletes United for Peace
Olufemi J. S. Oladejo, Distinguished Gender-SDGs advocate in Africa
Dr. Fatih Balci, Adjunct Professor, Montclair State University; Political Scientist, Comparative Politics & International Security Specialist
Sponsoring Committee:
United Nations, Sophia Murashkovsky, Chair
Co-Sponsoring Committees:
European Affairs, Katherine Gonzalez and Rafael Carmona, Co-Chairs
African Affairs, Melissa Verpile, Chair
Inter-American Affairs, Alexis J. Colon and Jose Enrique Arvelo, Co-Chairs
Council on International Affairs, Margaret E. McGuinness, Chair
Vance Center for International Justice, Lorraine McGowen and Werner F. Ahlers, Co-Chairs
Co-Sponsoring Organizations:
Garden of the Avant-Garde Film and Theatrical Foundation, Inc.
Littler Law Firm