On Oct. 19, 2011, Wayne Law celebrated the grand opening of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.

More than 600 people attended, and leaders from around the state were on hand to pay tribute to Judge Keith. Speakers included philanthropist A. Alfred Taubman, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and writer Mitch Albom. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder sent a video message with congratulations on the new building. 

The $6 million, 10,000-square-foot Keith Center houses meeting space, classroom space and a 60-person lecture hall. The center is used for teaching, research, conferences and meetings within and beyond the Wayne Law community. The lobby features a permanent version of the Marching Toward Justice exhibit, detailing the history of the 14th Amendment and the country's ongoing journey toward equality.

The building is also home to art that highlights the African-American experience, including Lester Johnson's A Garland of Praise Songs for Rosa Parks and one of Thomas Cornell's limited-edition Bayard Rustin broadside.

Grand opening on Oct. 19, 2011

Groundbreaking with Hon. Eric H. Holder on May 17, 2010

The Wayne State University Board of Governors and former President Jay Noren welcomed Keynote Speaker Hon. Eric H. Holder, then-attorney general of the United States, to campus for the groundbreaking ceremony.

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Judge Damon J. Keith Drives Civil Rights from Hour Media on Vimeo