Juristalks: Reflections on the Black Experience with Race, Crime, and Criminal Justice in Canada with Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 12:00 pm

• In-person event
• Loeb Building, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

Akwasi Owusu-Bempah’s talk will explore the complex interplay between race, crime, and the criminal justice system in Canada, offering a critical examination of how these dynamics shape the experiences of Black Canadians. Drawing on extensive research and scholarship, Professor Owusu-Bempah will illuminate the historical and contemporary realities that underpin racial disparities within the Canadian criminal justice system, offering a nuanced analysis of the factors that contribute to these injustices. His talk will also explore the necessary steps for the future, focusing on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an environment of greater racial equity in the justice system and beyond.

About the speaker: Akwasi Owusu-Bempah B.A. (Carleton), M.A., Ph.D. (Toronto), is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto and a Senior Fellow at Massey College. He holds Affiliate Scientist status at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and serves as Race Equity Lead for the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation. Prof. Owusu-Bempah’s work examines the intersections of race, crime, and criminal justice. His current research spans across criminal justice institutions. He is also studying various aspects of drug legalization in Canada and around the world. Prof. Owusu-Bempah began his academic career in the United States at Indiana University, Bloomington. Prior to becoming a professor, he held positions with Canada’s National Judicial Institute, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General. Prof. Owusu-Bempah’s research and commentary has recently been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Guardian, and The Globe and Mail. His latest book is entitled Waiting to Inhale: Cannabis Legalization and the Fight for Racial Justice

This will be a hybrid event in person at D492 Loeb and on Zoom (link to be sent to attendees prior to the event).

Refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees.