This conversation examines the role public schools play in funneling students into the prison system as documented in “Suspended: Systemic Oppression in Our Schools,” an original exhibition developed by the African American Museum of Iowa. Elements of the criminal justice system have entered public schools around the country, resulting in zero tolerance policies and student policing that disproportionately affect children of color. Our facilitated conversation will explore ways to dismantle systems that feed the school to prison pipeline.

About our presenter: Sam Black, MA worked in Iowa’s adult probation and parole system for more than three decades. In the early 2000’s Sam became one of the initial adult probation/parole officers to serve as a resource to specific neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The needs the neighborhoods identified led him working with kids in schools. Sam’s work with students in schools includes facilitating the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T). and Junior Achievement curriculums in elementary and middle schools as well working one on one with students. Since retiring from state employment in 2020, Sam continues to serve schools and youth as a consultant, and volunteer.

This event is cosponsored with the African American Museum of Iowa, the City of Iowa City Office of Equity and Human Rights, and the Iowa City Public Library.