Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice

Breakdown Perfectionism and build up those most vulnerable. Perfectionism promises safety and success—but often delivers burnout, comparison, and never-enoughness. In this candid, research-informed talk, Dr. Jen Douglas explores how perfectionism develops, why it disproportionately affects women and marginalized communities, and how it quietly shapes our thoughts and behaviors. Attendees will walk away with concrete practices […]

This presentation will explore how California Courts are interpreting the Racial Justice Act in its early years and where those interpretations have fallen short. Drawing from hands-on experience, it highlights emerging legal challenges, litigation trends, and the urgent need for courts to adopt bolder, more meaningful remedies that actually confront racial harm in the criminal […]

Prof. David Troutt discusses his book, Reckoning the Racial Reckoning, exploring structural backlash vs accountability after George Floyd. The talk will discuss Troutt's upcoming book, Reckoning the Racial Reckoning: From Awareness to Accountability after George Floyd, which evaluates the two-year moment of awareness of systemic racism that gave rise to a punishing structural backlash rather […]

We need bigger and different strategies to build power against authoritarianism and quicken the pace of progressive change. While litigation, policy work, and direct action remain vital, today’s political landscape calls for additional strategies for lasting social change. Gina Clayton-Johnson, Black feminist organizer, attorney, civil rights activist, and the Founder & Executive Director of Essie […]

Explore professional identity and the power of finding workplaces that honor your purpose. Join us to discuss lawyering and self-care. Lunch will be served inside of Room 170 starting at 12:50 PM. RSVP here. This session explores the evolution of professional identity and the vital importance of finding or creating workplaces that allow us to […]

This talk will explain what queer theory is and consider how it intersects with race, racism, and anti-racist activism. Professor Robinson will draw on Cathy J. Cohen's foundational article Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens: The Radical Potential of Queer Politics? to examine how queer theory and politics engage or fail to engage race and racism. […]

Come to hear more about Savala's latest book that has already been dubbed A Most Anticipated Book of 2026 by Ms. Magazine. Join us for a special lunchtime event as we celebrate the work of our very own Executive Director, Savala Nolan, to discuss her powerful new book, Good Woman: A Reckoning. Recently dubbed "A Most Anticipated Feminist […]

Screening of "Close to Home" + panel on homelessness. Hear from the film’s creators & Bay Area advocates on housing as a human right. The Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice and the Housing and Urban Policy Group (HUPG) at the Goldman School of Public Policy invites you to a screening of the award-winning documentary, Close to Home. Join us at UC […]

Updated Information for the 2026 Public Interest and Pro Bono Graduation Hello graduates, families, and friends, As you know, in light of the AFSCME strike and picket lines, the Henderson Center has made the difficult decision to move the location of our Social Justice and Public Interest Graduation. Instead of the Pauley Ballroom, the event […]