B-CU Chapter of National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice Discuss Sexual Assault & Abuse in "Surviving R. Kelly" Panel

As part of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, B-CU (NABCJ-BCU) chapter's celebration of Black History Month the week of activities kicked off in collaboration with Male Development Institute for a lively panel discussion on sexual assault and child abuse. The event entitled, "Surviving R. Kelly" featured a panel of faculty and students including Dr. Detis Duhart, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Mr. Leroy Miles, Criminal Justice Instructor, Dr. Nichole Jones, Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist and Assistant Professor in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, graduate student Norma Bland, and undergraduate student and Student Body Vice President Kenuantae Storey. The panel was moderated by Dr. Kideste Yusef, Department Chair of Justice and Political Studies and faculty advisor to the NABCJ. The event explored the ways in which power, race, and class influence how society responds to allegations of sexual abuse and others forms of criminal misconduct. 

"My overall takeaway from the panel discussion/ dialogue was extremely constructive yet eye opening. It shed light on issues that are plaguing the black community and even in pop culture. I was intrigued by the insight and diversity of perspectives from the panelists. I also learned that as consumers we ought to be aware of the pervasive influence music has on us and how it can corrupt our mindsets subconsciously if we’re not careful."

-Earl Robinson, Mister B-CU and Senior Mass Communications student

"The Surviving R. Kelly panel discussion went into depth about the singer's actions as it pertained to the sexual abuse of underage girls. In addition, there were conversations about other things such as mental health, changes in society and victimization in Black communities. Overall the event went great and I learned a lot from the perspective of others."

-Tierra Grant, Graduating Senior in Criminal Justice and NABCJ Treasurer.