Nationally renowned scholar Reggie Jackson will examine the topical issue of the value of Black lives in a series of virtual presentations titled “Do Black Lives Matter?” The series will run for four consecutive weeks beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 6:00 PM. It will be held via Zoom, and registration is required.
By asking and answering the question “Have Black lives mattered in our society historically?” Jackson will provide historical context for the present-day crises facing Black individuals in America. Each of the sessions will explore a different topic. The first session (January 19) introduces participants to the historical devaluation of Black lives. The second session (January 26) will focus on the degradation of Black lives in politics and law, and the third session (February 2) will explore the depreciation of Black lives in science and medicine. The final session (February 9) will take a closer look at Black lives and the role of the criminal justice system. The sessions will trace the history of pseudo-scientific justifications for devaluing the lives of Black individuals, laws and court decisions that have led to the devaluation of Black lives, scientific and medical experimentation on Black people, and the history of policing of Black people.
Jackson is a nationally heralded scholar, speaker, researcher, and writer. His work helps institutions and individuals understand how our country’s racial hierarchy developed, its impact on our lives today, and how we can realize America’s promise for all citizens. Jackson has also taught sociology as an adjunct university professor, served as a middle school special education teacher, coached children’s sports, and worked in management at a workforce development firm.
This program is co-sponsored by the Shorewood Public Library, the Shorewood Senior Resource Center, and the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library.
This series is free and open to the public. Registration is required; more information is available at http://www.shorewoodlibrary.org/