Newark Mayor Cory Booker talked about the role of local government as the foundation of a living, not just theoretical, democracy and the possibilities and limitations of local government in supporting important social reforms. He talked about the challenges of running New Jersey’s largest city and about the history, problems, and vision of African Americans. After his presentation Mayor Booker responded to audience members' questions.

The annual Barbara Jordan Lecture, “The State of American Democracy,” was given in Tishman Auditorium.