Tougaloo College Celebrates 100 Years of Black History Month

Civil rights attorney John Burris speaks at campus event focused on police accountability and civil rights

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi hosted a special film screening and discussion on Tuesday night as part of its celebration of 100 years of Black History Month. The event featured a screening of the documentary 'John Burris — Godfather of Police Litigation' and a talk by civil rights attorney John Burris, who is known nationally for representing victims of police misconduct and brutality.

Why it matters

The event provided an opportunity for students and the community to reflect on the nation's history and current conversations surrounding policing and race. As the country continues to grapple with issues of police accountability and civil rights, this event allowed attendees to learn from an experienced civil rights attorney and consider how Black communities can respond to these ongoing challenges.

The details

Dozens gathered at the Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center for the screening and discussion. The documentary highlighted Burris' decades-long legal career and his work representing victims of police misconduct. Burris attended the event and spoke with students and community members about his work and the fight for justice in cases involving law enforcement.

  • The event took place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The event concluded at 8 p.m.

The players

John Burris

A civil rights attorney known nationally for representing victims of police misconduct and brutality.

Sydney Armstrong

A senior at Tougaloo College who said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the nation's history and current conversations surrounding policing and race.

Tougaloo College

A historically Black college in Jackson, Mississippi that hosted the event as part of its celebration of 100 years of Black History Month.

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What they’re saying

“It is important to understand the country's history and how it has addressed police brutality, as well as how Black communities can respond to those challenges.”

— Sydney Armstrong, Senior (wapt.com)

The takeaway

This event highlights Tougaloo College's commitment to celebrating and reflecting on the history of the civil rights movement, as well as the ongoing work to address issues of police accountability and racial justice in the United States. By providing a platform for a renowned civil rights attorney to share his experiences, the college is empowering students and the community to continue the fight for equity and justice.