The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at The University of Texas at Austin invites you to our 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Summit: The Democratic Renewal. This event honors Juneteenth by welcoming esteemed thought leaders, NAACP President Gary Bledsoe and KungFu AI Co-Founder, Stephen Straus, for an in-depth discussion on the critical role of open dialogue in fostering progress.
Guided by Dr. Peniel Joseph, the distinguished Director of CSRD and professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, this summit will bring together activists, scholars, and the Austin community to explore the intersections of free speech and societal change. We will delve into the rich history of Juneteenth, the current political landscape, and the future steps needed to build a fair society.
About the Speakers
Texas State NAACP President and University of Texas School of Law Alum, Gary Bledsoe, is a distinguished Austin attorney specializing in public interest, employment, and civil rights law, serving as both Texas State NAACP President and Chair of the National Criminal Justice Committee.
Stephen Straus, co-founder of KUNGFU.AI, Impact Dyslexia, and The Startup Diversity and Inclusion Pledge, is a distinguished serial entrepreneur, and former venture capitalist. Stephen also considers himself a proactive social entrepreneur and is dedicated to helping create a positive and just future.