Hooks Institute Will Host Open House and Panel Discussion Nov. 15

October 29, 2018 - The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will release its 2018 Policy Papers that focus on identifying and proposing solutions to contemporary pressing disparities in Memphis and the nation at its annual open house on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in the University Center River Room (300). The fourth edition of the Hooks Institute Policy Papers, titled Climbing Out From Under the Rock: Restoring Civil Rights, Economics and Social Justice in Memphis and the Nation, will be released at this event.

Authors of the papers tackle existing and possible future disparities, in the criminal justice system, education, healthcare, technology and automation. "The Dangers of a Fragmented Educational Landscape in Shelby County" by Daniel Kiel, professor in the UofM's Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, examines the historical entrenchment of segregation in Memphis public schools and its negative implications for minority communities. "Implicit Bias and Disproportionate Minority Contact in the Shelby County Juvenile Court System" by Demetria R. Frank, assistant professor in the School of Law, addresses the implicit bias in the juvenile criminal justice system and its impact on minority youth in the age of mass incarceration.

In "The Robots Are Ready! Are We? Automation, Race, and the Workforce," Daphene R. McFerren, Hooks Institute executive director, and Dr. Elena Delavega, Hooks Institute associate director and associate professor of Social Work, identify the impact of automation on jobs in Memphis and beyond and its implications for the most vulnerable in society. "Race and Poverty: Disparities in Healthcare at the End of Life" by Dr. Ana L. Leech, assistant professor of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School, critiques how inadequate health care impacts quality of life including end of life decisions.

The open house will be held in the University Center River Room (300). A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the authors' presentations at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Convenient parking is available in the Zach Curlin Street garage.

About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. For 20 years, we have addressed disparities related to education, diversity and inclusion, economic mobility and civic engagement. To learn more about current initiatives, visit memphis.edu/benhooks.

CONTACT

Nathaniel C. Ball | 901.678.3655 | ncball@memphis.edu