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

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, Chair

Moderator: 
Yveline Dalmacy, United Nations, Secretary

Speakers:
Robyn L. McCoy, Partner, McCoy and Associates, PLLC
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

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, Philip Berkowitz, Esq.