The conversation entitled, “Healing Voices: Black and Blue
Lives Matter,” included a variety of professional panelists such as law
enforcement officials and University professors. The forum, which was open to
all members of the campus and local communities, provided an opportunity for
attendees to ask questions and weigh in on the discussion.
President Elmira Mangum believes hosting the forum on campus
provided an opportunity to discuss events taking place across the nation and
review possible resolutions, including those already suggested during previous
programs.
“If we are ever going to bring about change in the relationship that we have with our law enforcement officers and the black community, we must begin with a conversation” Mangum said.
Panelists for the conversation included Darryl Scriven, an associate professor in the Department of Visual Arts, Humanities and
Theatre at FAMU, Kristen Bowen, an instructor in the Department of Sociology
and Criminal Justice at FAMU, Maj. Lonnie Scott and Capt. Rod Young of the
Tallahassee Police Department, Capt. Bruce Gaines of the Leon County Sheriff’s
Office, Lt. Norman Rollins of the FAMU Police Department and Marquise McMiller,
a graduate student in the master of applied social science program at FAMU and
a member of the Florida National Guard.
While addressing a question during the conversation,
McMiller stressed the importance of citizens staying focused on their
respective individual cause as opposed to what other people are saying.
“We should be more concerned about what’s happening and
what’s being done out there and not on the terminology,” McMiller said. “I
believe in showing my advocacy through action. I get out and show my actions by
getting up every day and teaching black students to be preventative and to take
proactive measures when addressing some of these issues. I want to work on
preventative issues before lives are lost,” he added.
Yolonda Bogan, associate dean and professor of psychology in
the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) served as moderator
for the conversation which was facilitated and co-sponsored by CSSAH, and the
Division of Student Affairs.
“We want to provide a forum for encouraging each other by
reviewing and implementing constructive responses,” Bogan said.
The program was the second in a series of recent panels at
FAMU regarding the Black Lives Matter Movement. However, Bogan said she was
particularly enthused about the Black and Blue lives Matter Conversation
because of its potential to make a positive impact among students, faculty,
staff and residents of the Tallahassee area.
“We’re excited about this because it is a collaborative
effort,” Bogan said. “We want to look at positive recommendations and further
examine those that have already been put forth,” she added.
Scott, who grew up in the Liberty City area of Miami, said
he constantly reminds his officers of the importance of doing the right thing.
He also spoke of the importance of concerned citizens with good character and
integrity considering potential careers in law enforcement.
“I want to be part of the solution. It’s about having some
character and having some pride and we encourage it. I encourage each of you
who want to make a difference to join the profession, be there to make a
difference,” he said.