This episode offers juxtaposed perspectives on how systems perpetuate negative experiences for Black and Brown communities, as well as individualized strategies for changing the narrative.
Featuring
Prudence Layne, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English at Elon University
Prudence Layne, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of English at Elon University, where she has taught ‘Prison Nation’: Deconstructing the Prison Industrial Complex since 2006. The course has enrolled members from Alamance County’s law enforcement community and teachers from the Alamance-Burlington school System (ABSS), learning alongside Elon students. Dr. Layne also teaches Black Studies courses focused on issues affecting African, African-American, and Caribbean peoples and cultures, with special focus on females of color. She presents annually on criminal justice issues at Elon’s Intersect Diversity and Leadership Conference, most recently with Chief Smythe of the Burlington Police Department, “Color Me Bad: Intersections of Race and Policing” and “Crazy Criminal: Intersections of Race, Policing and Mental Health: with Assistant Chief Brian Long (BPD) and mental health practitioner, Sara Huffman. She has also offered a “Partners in Crime” Workshop as part of the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn series and continues to advocate for and work to promote healthy and productive relationships between law enforcement and communities of color. She may be reached at playne@elon.edu.
Shante Harris-Stewart
Burlington Police Officer
My name Officer Harris Stewart, born and raised in Philadelphia where at the age of 23 I began my career as a Philadelphia Police Officer and continued for 71/2 years. In 2015 I moved to Greensboro and started working for the Guilford County Sheriff’s office as a jailer. I worked for the Sheriff’s office for a year and 2 months. I resigned and started working for the Burlington Police Department January 2017. I still work for Burlington Police Department, and I’m currently in college working towards an Associate Degree. I’ve been married for four years and I have a 15 year old daughter. I really enjoyed doing the podcast; it included two things that I love which is being African American and being a Police Officer. It was a pleasure to be in the presence of Jenn Grimmett and Professor Layne. I hope you guys enjoy.