Critical Race Theory, Ethnic Studies, and the Criminal Legal System: A Conversation on Justice with Black Public Defenders
October 21 at 11:30 am to 12:45 pm
Free
About this Event
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) will host a powerful panel discussion titled “Critical Race Theory, Ethnic Studies, and the Criminal Legal System: A Conversation on Justice with Black Public Defenders.” This event is designed to expose students and the wider community to critical issues related to mass incarceration, criminal legal system reform, and advocacy for Black communities and other groups disenfranchised by systemic inequities and state-sanctioned violence.
The panel will feature two distinguished Black public defenders from Los Angeles, Ericka J. Wiley and George A. Turner, Jr., who are recognized for their groundbreaking work in criminal defense and community justice advocacy. Their participation in this panel will center Black perspectives on the intersection of race, justice, and reform in the criminal legal system, particularly within the context of national debates surrounding Critical Race Theory and Ethnic Studies.
Event Highlights
- Ericka J. Wiley is a veteran public defender with more than 24 years of experience advocating for alternatives to incarceration. She has been a tireless advocate for expunging criminal records and educating youth about their rights, actively engaging in programs like Parks After Dark in L.A. County. Ms. Wiley is a graduate of Fisk University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and she currently serves as Vice President of the Los Angeles-Fisk University Alumni Association.
- George A. Turner, Jr., also a public defender and candidate for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, has spent over 15 years defending the rights of the unhoused and other marginalized groups. A graduate of UCLA’s Critical Race Studies program, Mr. Turner’s personal experiences growing up during California’s era of mass incarceration have fueled his passion for justice and reform. He currently leads the Homeless Mobile Unit at the Law Offices of the Los Angeles County Public Defender.
This event aims to inspire and inform students on how justice can shape their personal and professional journeys, particularly in a political climate that demands active engagement in social and racial justice work. Ms. Wiley and Mr. Turner will share their experiences and insights on how public defense can drive meaningful change in communities of color.
Event Details
Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Location: Thousand Oaks Room, 2nd floor of the Southwest Addition of the University Student Union (USU)
This event is co-sponsored by CSUN’s Civil Discourse & Social Change Initiative, CSUN Council for Ethnic Studies, Black Faculty & Staff Association, Distinguished Visiting Speaker Program, Deaf Studies, Asian American Studies Pathways Project, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Project Rebound.
Join us for this critical conversation on justice, advocacy, and the power of community leadership in the fight for systemic change.
Request Accommodations
CSUN and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please let us know. Note: If you require an ASL interpreter please contact us no later than October 14, 2024. Please email tracy.buenavista@csun.edu to request accommodations.