Upwards of 40 students, faculty, and staff attended a discussion entitled “Justice for Mike Brown” this past Wednesday, October 1, as a part of the Year of Social Justice at Anne Arundel Community College.

The discussion was a part of the “Just Talk” sessions hosted by the Student Achievement and Success Program here at AACC.

The turn-out for the discussion was so much larger than expected, that the discussion was moved from the conference room in SUN 204 to the Pascal Theater. Students were asked to move all the way to the front of the theater in order to create a welcoming space for informal discussion.

“Race is an issue that makes people uncomfortable, I recognize that. However, I’d like to challenge you to let yourself be uncomfortable for a minute,” said Darian Scott-Carter, Criminal Justice professor at AACC.

Carter led the conversation, touching on issues of institutionalized racism, the criminal justice system, and social justice.

During the discussion, Nicole Williams and Leon Thomas, two organizers for the event, asked the audience what social justice issues were important to them. Answers to this question included: race, inequity in court systems, access to healthcare, police brutality, and many more.

According to a report done by the U.S. Sentencing Commission in March 2010, black offenders receive sentences in the federal system that are 10% longer than white offenders for the same crimes.

In a 2009 report by the Sentencing Project, it is stated that two-thirds of the people in the US with life sentences are non-white.

Williams suggested that AACC can “bring awareness to the issue, carry out the actions, then advocate.” However, the incarceration gap between white people and black people in this country can discourage so many young men and women from taking a stand in their communities.

Reynaldo Evangelista, Police Academy Commander and Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Associate Professor at AACC, emphasized that young people must know their constitutional rights. He also suggested that people should always make administrative reports when faced with injustice.

Arnold K. Adkins, Criminal Justice Professor at AACC and former DEA agent, urged the audience not only to go out and vote, but also hold those politicians accountable for the promises they make.

You have the power of the pen, you have the power of your voice, and you have the power of the people behind you,” said Adkins.

For more information about the Homeland Security & Criminal Justice Institute please call 410-777-7390.