Benjamin Crump, Esq., Equal Justice Now and Bowie State University Present: A National Panel Discussion on Mental Health and Bail Reform

Nationally renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump hosted a panel titled “National Panel Discussion on Mental Health & Bail Reform” on March 24 at the Dionne Warwick Theater. Co-sponsored by Equal Justice Now and the university, the event centered on bail reform and mental health concerns that continue to plague Black and brown Americans.

Dr. Rashad Richey, a civil rights and education expert, moderated the public event attended by several hundred, and guided a lively discussion on the societal structures that create and perpetuate racial biases. Addressing key issues including bail reform included Dr. Matasha Harris, associate dean of the College of Professional Studies ; Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former mayor of Baltimore; Malcolm P. Ruff, civil rights attorney; and Dayvon Love, director of public policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, a Baltimore think tank that advances policy interests representing Black communities.

Panelists shared diverse perspectives on the challenges and future of bail reform in the United States. Dr. Harris highlighted Bowie State’s role in assessing criminal justice legislation, which positions the university as architects of more equitable policy.

“Our work challenges the assumption of race-neutral laws and pushes for accountability in how policies like no-knock warrants disproportionately impact Black communities. As an HBCU, our presence at the legislative table is necessary and transformative.”

The conversation then shifted to mental health. Experts emphasized how limited access to resources disproportionately harms marginalized communities. Panelists included Dr. Ayanna Lynch, associate professor in the Department of Psychology ; Mario Williams, civil rights attorney; and Dionne Bussey-Reeder, CEO of Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, who joined Harris and Love to explore the intersection of mental health and justice. Lynch noted signs of progress.

“As a community, we need to save ourselves, to educate ourselves, on what mental health and illness look like. We need to learn how to recognize early signs and connect to resources in the community instead of calling 9-1-1. The justice system is not designed to help mental health incidents; it criminalizes them.”

David Black, a senior sociology major, said the event motivated him.

“It was very informative, enriching and exciting to know that I need to advocate for myself and others. I have to reach back and help the next generation rise and become great leaders.”

Bowie State continues to host civically engaged programs that advance equality and equity practices locally and beyond. The university strives to shape culturally responsive students who can lead with empathy and prepare for lives of service as lawyers, mental health professionals, advocates and activists.

More than 300 attendees received a copy of Crump’s new book, Worse Than a Lie: A Beau Lee Cooper Novel , which he autographed during a book signing immediately following the panel discussion.