4th Annual Institute for Restorative Justice and Practices Conference

On behalf of the Bowie State University's Institute for Restorative Justice and Practices, we would like to welcome you to our Fourth Annual Conference entitled, Restorative Justice: Youth Empowerment & Community Transformation. This is an in-person conference scheduled on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 8:00am - 5:00pm EST in the Student Center (Parking lot O) on the BSU campus.

We are offering FREE Continuing Education Units (CEU) for this conference and professional development.

This conference serves as a vital forum for stakeholders including practitioners, law enforcement professionals, advocates, youth workers, educators, students, lawmakers, and specialists to delve into the complexities of adolescents behavior as they navigate the difficulties of the school environment and the Juvenile Justice System.

Through interactive workshops, the ultimate goals of the conference are to:

• Integrate restorative practices principles into PreK-12 settings,
• Examine the educational, social, and emotional challenges faced by justice-involved youth,
• Explore ways to involve youth in community decision-making processes,
• Foster strong partnerships between families and juvenile justice agencies, and
• Integrate wellness principles into juvenile justice practices.

Keynote Speakers:

Fania Davis, PhD is a leading voice on restorative justice, social justice activist, Civil Rights trial attorney, writer, and educator with a PhD in Indigenous Knowledge. She grew up in Birmingham during the Civil Rights era, where the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing ignited her commitment to social transformation.

Fania founded Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY) and co-founded the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ). She has received numerous honors, including the Ubuntu Award and Ebony POWER 100 Award, and was named a New Civil Rights Leader of the 21st Century by the Los Angeles Times.

Dr. Jay Barnett is an esteemed author, dynamic speaker, and mental health expert, renowned for his work in underserved communities and youth development. A former professional football player, he integrates athletic discipline into his clinical work, promoting a winning mindset. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Dr. Jay's impactful storytelling and innovative strategies have garnered widespread recognition.

He has appeared on NBC Hoda & Jenna, The Breakfast Club, Sherri Shepherd, and in Black Enterprise Magazine. In 2023, he served as Grand Marshal for the American Psychiatric Association's Moore Initiative, advocating for fair mental health access.

To Register for this event or for more information, please click HERE