Former Political Prisoner and Black Panther Party Member, Marshall Eddie Conway Participates in Social Justice and Violence Prevention Panel at Morgan State University

The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) at Morgan State University sponsored a panel discussion titled "Social Justice and Violence Prevention." Recently released political prisoner and former Black Panther Party member, Marshall Eddie Conway participated in the panel and offered students advice for building positive futures and avoiding the violence that plagues African-American communities. Conway was released in 2014 after being imprisoned 44 years for the alleged shooting of Baltimore police officer, Donald Sager. Conway denies involvement in the incident and maintains that he was falsely accused as a result of the political climate in the U.S. during the 1970s, and the manner in which the Black Panther Party was targeted.

In his address to students, Conway said violence in Black communities results from oppressed people expressing anger and frustration against each other that they cannot express toward their oppressor. The anger is repressed until it explodes and is then misdirected. He said further that although African-Americans may have fewer life choices, we still have individual responsibility. He maintained that the solutions to violence lies in recognizing the unique opportunities of becoming educated. Once students complete their education, they will become part of the world's one percent who have a college degree. As college graduates, they will become the leaders and have great responsibility. He advised students to take care of self, engage is self-development, and help others in their communities.

Marshall Eddie Conway, recently released Political Prisoner

and former member of Black Panther Party

Above and below: Panel members involved in the discussion,

"Social Justice and Violence Prevention." Left to right: Amy Cole, Eric White,

Dr. Raymond Winbush, and Marshall Eddie Conway.

Panelist, Amy Cole said to students that regardless of situations or lack of resources, they cannot succumb to negative forces. She advised students to go to class, be conscious and aware, and to have self-discipline. She said for them to make sure they maintain passports, travel, see the world, study other cultures, become cultured, and embrace their own identities as people of African descent.

There is an information war in which images in the media often represent black people negatively according to panelist Eric White. He reminds students that they should not be influenced by that negativity. They have nothing to prove because trying to prove oneself means that others have power over them. They should program themselves to remain focused on their goals so they will be successful . Everyday, from the time they awake until they retire in the evening, they should be telling themselves they can do well.

The third panelist, Dr. Raymond Winbush said that Black-on-Black violence is an idea perpetuated by the media. He maintained that we have to take responsibility for ourselves, but we have to look at responsibility from a broader perspective. He advised students that their college years will be the most important part of their lives. They should make decisions that will enhance their goals, and realize education is an opportunity many do not have.