The Roger Wilkins Lecture

Roger Wilkins was a civil rights leader, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Robinson Professor at George Mason University. His work connected public service, journalism, and education with a lifelong commitment to justice. Established in his memory, the annual Roger Wilkins Lecture brings leading public figures and scholars to Mason to discuss questions of social, economic, and political justice.

2026 lecture: DEI and the Retreat from Civil Rights

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 · Dewberry Hall

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill joined students and the Mason community for the 2026 Roger Wilkins Lecture. Ifill, the Vernon Jordan Distinguished Professor in Civil Rights at Howard University School of Law and former president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, was joined in discussion by Elizabeth Wilkins.

The event was co-sponsored by Mason’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program, the Antonin Scalia Law School, and the African and African American Studies Program.

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill at the lectern during the Roger Wilkins Lecture.

The audience applauds during the 2026 Roger Wilkins Lecture.

The audience listens to Professor Sherrilyn Ifill and Elizabeth Wilkins.

President Gregory Washington delivers opening remarks.

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill delivers the 2026 Roger Wilkins Lecture.

An audience member asks a question during the discussion.

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill and Elizabeth Wilkins in conversation.

President Gregory Washington, Professor Sherrilyn Ifill, and Elizabeth Wilkins.

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill speaks with an attendee after the lecture.

Photography: Andani Munkaila / Creative Services / George Mason University.

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