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 Horne, 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 More About the event here