Earlier this year, members of LWVVC Social Justice and Education Action teams attended a community forum on Critical Race Theory (CRT) which was held at Bethune Cookman University. Moderated by Dr. Randy Nelson, B-CU-s university director of the Center for Law and Social Justice, a distinguished panel discussed the origins and purpose of Critical Race Theory; clarified the current use of the theory, and urged attendees to strengthen ties within the community around the notion that all people deserve a safe and productive environment to raise a family. Two brief videos demonstrated the long-term impact of historic racist policies that prevent groups of individuals from accessing opportunities that develop wealth and prosperity.

Panelists explained that CRT is a 40 year old academic framework used in law schools to examine how policies and laws continue to uphold inequality and racism in our society. Panelists explained the fact that the theory is not used in K-12 schools and is a tool for critical analysis of a variety of societal issues at higher levels of education. As a tool, it provides insight into how our history impacts our current policies and laws.

The program was sponsored by the Volusia County African-American Leadership Council in partnership with the Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP and the Bethune-Cookman University Center for Law and Social Justice. The panel, introduced by community leader Daisy Grimes, included Moderator Randy Nelson, B-CU’s university Director of the Center for Law and Justice; Dr. Daniel Hollar- B-CU psychology department chair; Dr. Kideste Ysef, University Center for Law and Social Justice; Retired Judge Hubert L. Grimes; and Genesis Robinson, Equal Ground Political Action Fund director and political strate

Front Row L to R: Cathy Egley, Vickie Presley, Daisy Grimes

Back Row L to R: Lena Ellis, Pat Drago, Monique Fischer, Ann Smith, Nicki Junkins, Judy Conte, Elizabeth Albert

gist.

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