"The Untold Story of the Civil Rights Movement" to examine historical narratives and legacies
IRVING, Texas (Jan. 9, 2026) – The University of Dallas will welcome Dr. Carol Swain, award-winning political scientist and bestselling author, as the featured speaker for its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m., in the SB Hall Multipurpose Room located at 2925 Gorman Drive, Irving, Texas 75062.
The event, titled "The Untold Story of the Civil Rights Movement," will feature Dr.
Swain alongside special guest Chad O. Jackson, filmmaker and independent historian.
The free public lecture is hosted by the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry and Evangelization
and will offer a thought-provoking examination of the civil rights era through historical
research and primary sources.
Dr. Carol Swain brings a unique perspective shaped by her remarkable personal journey and distinguished academic career. Born into poverty in rural Virginia, she defied the odds to earn five academic degrees, including a PhD in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Legal Studies from Yale Law School. She obtained early tenure at Princeton University and became a full professor at Vanderbilt University, where she served as both professor of political science and professor of law until her retirement in 2017.
An award-winning scholar cited three times by the U.S. Supreme Court, Dr. Swain has
authored or edited 12 published books, including the acclaimed "Black Faces, Black
Interests: The Representation of African Americans in Congress," which won the Woodrow
Wilson Prize. Her recent works include "Black Eye for America: How Critical Race Theory
is Burning Down the House" and "Diversity without Discrimination." In 2025, she received
the Frederick Douglass Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to conservative
thought and constitutional scholarship. Dr. Swain also served on the Tennessee Advisory
Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
"Dr. Swain's remarkable journey and rigorous scholarship make her an ideal speaker
for our Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance," said Jodi Hunt, PhD, executive director
of the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry and Evangelization. "We invite the community
to join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking evening of learning and dialogue."
Joining Swain is Chad O. Jackson, filmmaker, business owner and independent historian known for his documentary series "The MLK Project" and his work as co-producer and writer of "Uncle Tom 2." Jackson's research examines alternative perspectives on the civil rights movement and its lasting impact on American society. His work has been featured on platforms including Jason Whitlock's "Fearless" and various conservative media outlets. The docuseries features contributions from prominent scholars including Swain.
For more information about the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture, visit udallas.edu/mlk-day-26 or contact the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry and Evangelization.
About the University of Dallas
With campuses in Texas and Italy, The University of Dallas, is among a small list of Catholic universities recommended by the Cardinal Newman Society. UDallas is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country, known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities. Recently recognized as #2 in The U.S. News & World Report’s Best Value - Regional Universities (West) and one of America’s Best Colleges 2025 by the Princeton Review and Money.com, UDallas has one of America’s most challenging, comprehensive undergraduate interdisciplinary programs, offered at an excellent value to some of the happiest students in the country. UDallas stands apart as a thriving community of learners committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived. For more information, visit udallas.edu.
About the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry and Evangelization
The Neuhoff Institute for Ministry and Evangelization at the University of Dallas prepares men and women to serve the Church through academic programs, professional development, and community engagement that integrate faith, reason and service. To learn more, visit udallas.edu/neuhoff-institute.
