Savannah State University News January 23, 2020 Kuntrell Jackson to speak about criminal justice reform as part of BHF Kuntrell Jackson, an activist and advocate for criminal justice reform and societal re-entry programs, will facilitate a conversation focused on youth, the criminal justice system and life on parole as part of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) Grand Festival Day on Saturday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Jackson will also speak to classes at Savannah schools and colleges on Friday, Feb. 7. Jackson speaks to audiences about abuse, neglect, poverty and the domestic violence that contribute to mass incarceration. He was present during an attempted robbery and fatal shooting at a video store. Because he was at the scene and connected to the shooter, Jackson was tried as an adult and was convicted of felony murder and aggravated robbery. He was sentenced to life without parole at age 14. The Equal Justice Initiative challenged the sentencing and the case was eventually taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2012, in a divided opinion, the court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juvenile homicide offenders was unconstitutional. As a result, Jackson received a new sentencing hearing and is now on parole. “Your Story, My Story, Our Stories” is the theme of the annual SBHF scheduled for February 1-23, 2020. Cultural education and exposure to the performing and visual arts, as well as ethnic cuisine and crafts, are offered for all ages and interests throughout the celebration. The 2020 festival will be the 21st produced by Savannah State University and the 31st presented by the City of Savannah. Investment provided by the City of Savannah. For a complete schedule and event details, call 912-358-4309 or go to www.savannahblackheritagefestival.org<http://www.savannahblackheritagefestival.org/>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs – Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/