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Book Discussion draws light from panel

March 30, 2017

Group picture of moderator, panelists and participants.
Group picture of moderator, panelists and participants.

Tuskegee, Ala (January 25, 2017) – The Book Panel Discussion was held yesterday in the Daniel “Chappie” James Center and featured a dynamic panel of ۿ۴ý, faculty, and administrators. ۿ۴ýUniversity President, Dr. Brian Johnson led the lively panel discussion that delved into the adsorbing issues confronting society today as covered in the chosen book.

The Book Discussion centered on a compelling memoir by Bryan Stevenson called "Just Mercy." The book was selected for this Year-Long Common Reading Experience (YLCRE) and examines issues of race, incarceration, and social justice. It was named by Time Magazine as one of the “10 Best Books of Nonfiction” for 2014. It also won the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and the 2015 Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Nonfiction.

Panelists shared their perspectives and engaged the audience in examining the far-reaching impact of this important and influential contemporary work of nonfiction. This Panel Discussion was planned and executed by co-coordinator Sherry King and the YLCRE committee.

Panel members included the following:

Mrs. Shemeka Barnes Johnson, ۿ۴ýUniversity’s First Lady

Lisa Bratton, Assistant Professor of History

Vivian Carter, Head of the Psychology and Sociology Department

Crystal James, Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Public Health Program

A. Zachary Faison, Jr., General Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs

Wayne Barr, Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Head of Fine and Performing Arts

April Johnson, Freshman Presidential Scholar, Animal Science major

Carlecia Adkins, Freshman Presidential Scholar, Nursing major

The Year-Long Common Reading Experience (YLCRE) is an initiative of the current administration designed to enhance student interest in literary works and engage them in a common academic experience throughout the year.

The author of the book, Bryan Stevenson, is executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, AL, and is a professor of law at the New York University School of Law. He has won relief for dozens of condemned prisoners, argued five times before the Supreme Court, and has won national acclaim for his work challenging bias against the poor and people of color. He has received numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant.

Bryan Stevenson will be here on campus Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Daniel “Chappie” James Center. The public is invited to come and be a part of this Lyceum event. It is free and open to the public.

Book Discussion panelists
Book Discussion panelists.
Hundreds gather to engage in book discussion.
Hundreds gather to engage in book discussion.