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Spears-Turner Roundtable Discussion: “Parenting Black Boys in America”

Debra Johnson will discuss “Parenting Black Boys in America” on Tuesday, March 19 (12 noon-2 p.m.) for the Spears-Turner Roundtable Discussion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work. The moderated discussion is co-hosted by the UNC School of Social Work Black Student Caucus. It is free and open to the public in Tate-Turner-Kuralt Building, Room 300, 325 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Johnson drew national attention in October 2018 for her story “Why I Won’t Teach My Son ‘Black Codes’,” which was published by The New York Times in its “Conception” video series. In her story, Johnson examines views of racial justice, equal opportunity and equity for African American children in the 21st century.

A graduate of Saint Louis University, Johnson studied political science and communications. She has been a radio news reporter, communications director for the Office of the Mayor in South Bend, Ind., and communications director for U.S. Representative Bobby Rush. Currently, she serves as communications director for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families. Johnson also teaches a leadership course, promoting a positive self-image for young women.

This event is sponsored by the Sandra Reeves Spears and John B. Turner Distinguished Professorship at the UNC School of Social Work. The professorship was established by UNC alumnus Sam Reeves and his wife Betsy in honor of their daughter Sandra Reeves Spears and in memory of former UNC School of Social Work Dean John Turner, Ph.D., who was the first African American to serve as a dean at UNC.