A Pivotal Conversation on Policing and Criminal Justice in New Hampshire

Portsmouth, NH – The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) is excited to spotlight the fourth event in the Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks 2024 series, “Close to the Edge: Policing and Criminal Justice in New Hampshire.” This crucial discussion, set for February 25, 2024, at the Portsmouth Public Library, promises to be a cornerstone of this year’s series, themed “A New Deal for A Great Society.”

In an era where the conversation around policing and criminal justice is more pertinent than ever, this panel seeks to dissect the intricate layers of law enforcement, judicial practices, and their impact on communities of color in New Hampshire. The discussion will pivot around the historical shifts from social programs aimed at crime prevention to a focus on increased policing and incarceration, exploring the implications of such changes on the fabric of our society.

The fourth Tea Talk will address pressing questions such as the presence of racial profiling, the effectiveness of implicit bias training, and the challenges New Hampshire’s law enforcement faces in equitably serving the public. This event is not just a conversation but a call to action, inviting community members, activists, legal experts, and law enforcement officials to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and paving the way for meaningful reforms.

While the fourth talk focuses on criminal justice, the series continues with the fifth event, “Equity and Adequacy: Public Education in New Hampshire,” at the Keene Public Library. This session will delve into the challenges and opportunities within the state’s education system, emphasizing the need for equitable access to quality education for all students.

The series will conclude with the sixth event, “Envisioning the Future,” a forward-looking discussion that invites young panelists to imagine the contours of a just society, drawing from the lessons of the past and the aspirations for the future.

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire extends heartfelt thanks to NH Humanities for their generous sponsorship of the Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks. Their support is crucial in facilitating these important conversations that contribute significantly to our collective understanding and progress.

We invite you to be part of this pivotal event in the Tea Talk series. Your participation is vital as we navigate these complex issues together, seeking pathways to justice, equity, and understanding. To register for these events and learn more about the series, please visit the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire’s website: https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/elinor-williams-hooker-tea-talks-2024/

About the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire:

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. We work to visibly honor and share a truer, more inclusive history through exhibits, educational programs, curriculum development and tours that can change the way our country understands human dignity when it is free of historical stereotypes. Building on the success of the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail that started more than two decades ago, the statewide Black Heritage Trail connects the stories of New Hampshire’s African heritage by documenting and making visible many of the historic sites that testify to this rich history. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is an independent, nonprofit organization. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit; Taxpayer Identification Number 81-3921917.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Terry Robinson

Marketing Specialist

(603) 570 – 8469

terry@blackheritagetrailnh.org

Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire

www.blackheritagetrailnh.org