The political, racial, and public health turmoil of the past year has awakened more people to the nation’s disparities, giving today’s observances of Martin Luther King’s legacy special meaning, says the director of Northeastern’s Institute on Race and Justice.

“It certainly does feel different,” says Jack McDevitt, professor of the practice in criminology and criminal justice, and an author whose research has focused extensively on hate crime, racial profiling, and human trafficking.

Gaston and Lee are part of Northeastern’s Torch Scholars program, a scholarship program dedicated to supporting talented, first-generation college students who have already succeeded despite extraordinary circumstances.

The centerpiece of the program’s agenda is a panel discussion with three Northeastern faculty members: Shalanda Baker and Hilary Robinson from the School of Law, and Nicole Aljoe from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

“On this Martin Luther King Day, we are experiencing a level of discord and turmoil around race and social justice in this country that is unprecedented,” says Ted Landsmark, an attorney and distinguished professor of public policy and urban affairs who will facilitate the discussion.

 

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