In recognition of Black History Month, the African and African Diaspora Studies program will host a special Open House on Wednesday, February 25, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm in the Green Dolphin Lounge. The event will bring together students, faculty, and community members for an evening of dialogue, reflection, and community building centered on the study of African and African diaspora histories, cultures, and movements for justice. Refreshments will be served, and attendees can earn CLUE credit.
The evening will feature a timely and thought-provoking conversation titled “Youth Justice & Abolition: Utilizing a Restorative Justice Framework to Combat the Carceral State.” The discussion will be led by Calvin John Smiley, Associate Professor of Sociology at Hunter College, with Michael Fernandez, Director of Juvenile Facility Programs at the Center for Community Alternatives, serving as discussant. Together, they will explore youth justice, abolitionist frameworks, and restorative justice practices, highlighting alternatives to punitive systems and emphasizing community-centered approaches to justice.
Co-sponsored by Legal Studies and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Open House underscores the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship and collective engagement in addressing contemporary social issues. The campus community is encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation examining pathways toward equity, justice, and transformative change.
