The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy recently welcomed world-renowned anti-apartheid leader, Judge Albie Sachs, to launch its America at 250 lecture series.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Judge Sachs emerged as a tireless advocate against apartheid. His work led to imprisonment, exile and a near-fatal car bombing. He did not respond with vengeance, but instead with a belief that justice is the path to healing. After apartheid ended, he played a pivotal role in drafting South Africa’s democratic constitution and was appointed by Nelson Mandela to the country’s first Constitutional Court.

Judge Sachs is a great friend to the University of Missouri. He’s visited campus before to share stories of hope, courage, resiliency and personal agency to make a difference. He’s also been part of our nearly 40-year partnership with the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2019, we were proud to award Judge Sachs an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Mizzou.

Before his recent lecture, he also had an opportunity to visit with Mizzou Law students and discuss the influence of the U.S. Constitution on democracy globally.

The Kinder Institute is the country’s leading organization dedicated to the study of American constitutional democracy. The America at 250 lecture series celebrates our nation’s founding while advancing Kinder’s decade-long mission to foster interdisciplinary engagement with democratic values. In the months ahead, we’ll host seven additional America at 250 lectures to further enrich our understanding of the principles that shape our country.

I’m grateful to Judge Sachs for returning to campus and sharing his important message.

— Mun