A symposium entitled “Resisting the Criminalization of Black Youth,” 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 23, in the Pitt-Ferry Building will feature discussion by a panel of alumni of the University of Windsor.

Organized by the Making It Awkward: Challenging Anti-Black Racism committee, the event is free and open to the public.

Chair Lacy Carty says the group hopes to foster conversation about the oppression of black people by the legal system.

“We aim to help people understand the ways activists are fighting this oppression and how the larger community can work with the legal and law enforcement systems to create change,” she says.

Michael Akpata (BA 1989), LaSalle town councillor, will preside over the panel:

• Salem Berhane (BA 2016), youth advocate;
• Charles Campbell, human rights and equity activist;
• Linda McCurdy (LLB 1994), barrister and solicitor;
• Neil MacEachrane (BA 1989), diversity officer, Windsor Police Services;
• Jillian Rogin (LLB 2008), Windsor Law professor; and
• Tawnie Walker (BA 2007, 2010), probation and parole officer.

Artistic performances and vendors are also on offer in the building at 167 Ferry Street, which houses the School of Social Work. Space is limited; RSVP on the symposium website.