In a bold effort to bridge the gap between higher education and federal law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia recently inaugurated a forum for students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at Clark Atlanta University. The two-day HBCU Regional Forum, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, sought to "introduce HBCU students, faculty, and staff to the Department of Justice's diverse range of programs and initiatives."
"Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide students with an environment for achieving academic excellence as well as the skills to serve as future leaders in their communities, in our office, and in the Department of Justice," U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said. The program, which took place on April 18 and 19, aimed to openly promote professional development and inform participants about career opportunities within the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the broader Department of Justice.
Amidst the forum's various sessions, a pivotal discussion underscored the significance of HBCUs in the pursuit of justice and equity. This featured a dialogue between Buchanan and Dr. George French Jr., the President of Clark Atlanta University. Another critical conversation involved U.S. Attorney Buchanan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Gray, and Officer Brandon White of the Chamblee Police Department, who revealed his motivations for pursuing a career in law enforcement after surviving a hate crime that spurred one of the first successful prosecutions under the federal hate crimes statute based on sexual orientation.
The event also highlighted the Department's United Against Hate community outreach program, designed to combat unlawful acts of hate by fostering connections between law enforcement and communities. "The sessions showcased the wide array of resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities available from the Department," the U.S. Attorney's Office detailed. Representatives from numerous justice departments, including the FBI, ATF, and DEA, were on hand to to provide insight into their work and strategies for students aiming to pursue federal law enforcement careers.
Presentations from agencies such as the Environmental and Natural Resources Division, the Civil Rights Division, and the Office of Justice Programs supplemented the comprehensive agenda that catered to the HBCU community's needs and ambitions. For those seeking additional information, the U.S. Attorney's Office encourages contact with its Public Affairs Office at (404) 581-6016 or through the specified email at [email protected].
