PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 28, 2023) – The Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University announced today it would host “The Experiences of Black Officers and the Tragedy of Tyre Nichols,” a virtual discussion featuring leaders in law enforcement.
Panelists include LT. Daryl L. Henderson of the Houston Police Department; Robert Stewart, retired Deputy Chief with the Tallahassee Police Department and current CEO of Bobcat Consulting; Lt. Thomas Boone, President of the United Black Police Officers Association; and Sheriff Eric Fagan of Ft. Bend County, Texas.
“Police use of excessive force has dominated the news cycle for far too long,” said Camille Gibson, interim dean of PVAMU’s College of Juvenile Justice and executive director of the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center. “While many calls for police reform and changes to policies have been made, it is time to hear from law enforcement about recent events.”
The panelists will come together to discuss their experiences and reactions related to the tragic death of Tyre Nichols. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was beaten by Memphis police officers for approximately three minutes on the evening of January 7, 2023, after he was stopped for what the police initially stated as reckless driving. Police body camera footage, released on January 27, 2023, showed a violent confrontation that ended with Nichols hospitalized in critical condition. Nichols died on January 10, 2023 – three days after the stop.
“The loss of Tyre Nichols is yet another tragedy in our nation,” said Susan Frazier-Kouassi, director of the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center. “We hope this discussion with leaders in law enforcement will contribute to a national dialogue on topics surrounding police culture, brutality and much needed training for law enforcement.”
Additional information and registration for the event can be found here.
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