Scottsboro Boys Case: What Happened, What Changed, and Why It Still Matters

Explore the Scottsboro Boys case and its lasting impact on American justice at this free public forum. The Decatur Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum and Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Legal Learning Center, in partnership with Alabama A&M University and with support from the Alabama Law Foundation, invite students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to the Civil Rights and Justice for All Forum: The Scottsboro Boys Case: What Happened, What Changed, and Why It Still Matters. The Scottsboro Boys cases remain among the most consequential legal and civil rights cases in American history. Beginning with the arrests of nine young African American men in Alabama in 1931, the cases raised fundamental questions concerning due process, meaningful legal representation, racial discrimination in jury selection, judicial independence, and equal justice under law. The evening will feature three interconnected presentations: “What Happened” — Dr. Steven P. Brown will establish the historical framework for understanding the Scottsboro Boys cases, including the trials, retrials, and the role of Judge James E. Horton, Jr. “What Changed” — Atty. Milton C. Davis will examine the legal and constitutional legacy of the cases and their continuing importance to the American justice system. “Why It Still Matters” — Rev. Kenneth Sharpton Glasgow will connect the history of the Scottsboro Boys to contemporary questions of justice, advocacy, civic responsibility, and community engagement. The presentations will be followed by a moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A. The forum is part of the Civil Rights and Justice for All Experiential Learning Opportunity at Alabama A&M University, through which AAMU students are participating in historical research, public interpretation, program development, outreach, logistics, and assessment. The event is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. Dinner will be provided to registered attendees at no cost. Seating is limited. Registered attendees should arrive at 5:45 p.m. for check-in and seating. The program will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.