It is incumbent upon those of us in the legal academy to take on the responsibility of the challenged posed by W.E.B. DuBois at the end of the Twentieth Century, and to ensure that the Twenty-First Century provides a real opportunity for meaningful discussion of issues that have such a profound impact on our community in its very survival. Professor of Law, Harvard Law School, and Director of the Criminal Justice Institute. See id. 5. See supra notes 3-4 and accompanying text. See id. at 4-6.
Race determines our economic prospects. . . .
Race permeates our politics. It alters electoral boundaries, shapes the disbursement of local, state, and federal funds, fuels the creation and collapse of political alliances, and twists the conduct of law enforcement. In short, race mediates every aspect of our lives.