National Civil Rights Research and Records Institute
Community participation

Public Hearings

NCRRRI public hearings are open community forums where residents, advocates, and witnesses document civil rights conditions across America. Every voice heard becomes part of the permanent national record.

Next hearing:Sep 15 – Sep 19, 2026 — New York, NY
Register to Attend or TestifySubmit Written Testimony
About hearings

What is a Public Hearing?

A public hearing is a structured, on-the-record session where community members share firsthand accounts of civil rights conditions — including voting access, housing discrimination, policing, education equity, and more. NCRRRI researchers review every submission. Your testimony may be cited in national reports, policy briefings, and future hearings.

View the full hearing archive
15Cities on the 2026–2028 schedule
9Steps to participate in a hearing
100%Testimonies entered into the national archive
OpenTo all community members — no fee to attend
Eligibility

Who can participate

Community residentsAnyone with direct experience of civil rights conditions in their city or region.
Government officialsFederal, state, and local officials who wish to provide context or respond to community concerns.
Nonprofit organizationsAdvocacy groups, legal aid organizations, and community nonprofits with documented findings.
Researchers & educatorsAcademics, journalists, and educators who study civil rights conditions and policy.
Volunteers & supportersIndividuals who wish to support hearings through logistics, translation, or outreach.

Ready to register or submit testimony?

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2026 – 2028 schedule

Upcoming hearing cities

New York, NYSep 15 – Sep 19, 2026
Chicago, ILNov 2 – Nov 6, 2026
Los Angeles, CAJan 11 – Jan 15, 2027
Atlanta, GAMar 8 – Mar 12, 2027
Detroit, MIMay 10 – May 13, 2027
Philadelphia, PAJul 14 – Jul 17, 2027
Baltimore, MDSep 13 – Sep 17, 2027
Phoenix, AZNov 8 – Nov 11, 2027
Memphis, TNJan 17 – Jan 19, 2028
New Orleans, LAMar 13 – Mar 15, 2028
Houston, TXMay 15 – May 17, 2028
Montgomery, ALJul 10 – Jul 12, 2028
North Charleston, SCJul 29 – Aug 2, 2028
Charlotte, NCAug 12 – Aug 16, 2028
Cleveland, OHSep 9 – Sep 13, 2028

Dates and locations are subject to change.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Your testimony belongs in the record.

Every account shared at an NCRRRI hearing becomes part of the permanent national civil rights archive — reviewed by researchers and cited in policy work across the country.

Register to attend Submit written testimony