The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, organized the first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Regional Forum at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. The event aimed to introduce HBCU students, faculty, and staff to the various programs and initiatives offered by the Department.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed the significance of HBCUs in nurturing future leaders, stating, “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.”
The forum, held on April 18 and 19, 2024, featured engaging sessions that highlighted the resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities available from the Department. One of the sessions involved a discussion between U.S. Attorney Buchanan and Dr. George French Jr., President of Clark Atlanta University, focusing on the role of HBCUs in advancing justice and equity.
Another compelling conversation took place between U.S. Attorney Buchanan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Gray, and Officer Brandon White of the Chamblee Police Department. Officer White, a victim of a hate crime in 2012, shared his experience and how it motivated him to pursue a career in law enforcement. His case led to successful prosecutions under the federal hate crimes statute based on sexual orientation.
Furthermore, attendees were enlightened about the Department's United Against Hate community outreach program by Acting Director Justin Lock and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Fallica and Rahul Garabadu. The program aims to unite law enforcement with local communities to combat hate crimes.
The event also featured presentations from various components of the Department of Justice, providing students with insights into pursuing careers in federal law enforcement. Representatives from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Civil Rights Division shared valuable information with the HBCU community.
For those seeking additional information, the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office can be contacted at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. More details about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia can be found on their website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.