The Atrium

The Grand Rapids Public Library will host a program by author and legal scholar Paul Finkelman, editor of the Michigan Notable book, The History of Michigan Law. Mr. Finkelman will speak on The Strange and Surprising History of Civil Rights Law in Michigan.

Finkelman's talk will explore the surprising history of Michigan's early laws on race, its opposition to slavery, and its post-Civil War record on civil rights. While many Midwestern states actively discouraged black migration after the Civil War, Michigan became the great beacon of liberty for many African Americans. The program will be held on May 8th at 7:00 pm, in the Ryerson Auditorium on the third floor. The program is free and open to the public.

Other books which include Mr. Finkelman's work can be found here.