Center for Racial Justice

Contact Us

Dillard University Center for Racial Justice
Jones Building Second Floor
2601 Gentilly Blvd
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

 
Ph: (504) 914-2818
e-mail – crj@dillard.edu
 
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dillard University Center for Racial Justice

Dillard is answering the call to be a conduit for change by engaging community leaders, law enforcement officials and citizens to acquire the cultural competence needed to bring about systemic change to policing in communities of color.

The Center for Racial Justice’s goal is to change the way people of color and their communities are policed through education, community relationship building, civic engagement training, services, partnerships, and utilization of relevant resources. We are committed to educating both the law enforcement community and the community at large. 

Mission

The MISSION of Dillard University’s Center for Racial Justice is to bring systemic change to the way policing is done in communities of color and to promote partnerships with law enforcement including police departments and sheriff’s office, graduate, and professional schools. The Center for Racial Justice will be a reservoir for lectures, research, advocacy training, civic engagement, and political participation.

Vision

The Center for Racial Justice’s VISION is to work with the community to address racism and injustice. The Center for Racial Justice is focused on community and relationship building in addressing accountability in addressing individuals and systems of oppression. The work of the Center for Racial justice is an active process and in partnership with the community in addressing a more accountable, and inclusive society.

Current Events

Equity and Social Justice Advocacy Award

Dillard University Center for Racial Justice is honored to be an official award winning Center receiving the Equity and Social Justice Advocacy Award from the National Association for Multicultural Education in Montgomery, Alabama.  Board Members Dr. Ashraf Esmail, Tia Suggs, Dr. Alice Duhon Ross and Dr. JC Romero accepted the award on behalf of the Center.

Past Events

Programs and Courses

CRJ Programs & Courses

The Center for Racial Justice collaborates groups and organizations to achieve its mission. Currently, CRJ is partnering with:

John Jay College’s Center for Policing Equity

Dillard’s Criminal Justice Club

Criminal Justice Honor Society

National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice

Certificate Program

To meet the community’s demands for improved citizen-law enforcement relationships, the Center for Racial Justice will offer a 30-hour certificate program.

Course content will include, but will not be limited to:

  • Community Organization
  • Criminal Justice
  • Ethics
  • Law and Society
  • People Skills
  • Policing in Society
  • Social Welfare
  • Sociology
  • Urban Public Policy

CRJ Instructors & Staff

Dr. Esmail

Ashraf Esmail, Ph.D.
Phone: 504.816.4599
Email: aesmail@dillard.edu 
Office: Michael & Shaun Jones Hall 236
Ph.D., Union Institute and University
M.S., Georgia State University
B.S., Louisiana State University

 

Karina Whorton

Katina Whorton, M.S.
Phone: 504.816.4701
Email: kwhorton@dillard.edu
Office: Michael & Shaun Jones Hall 251
M.S., Grambling State University
B.S., Wiley College

 

 

 

Tia Suggs
Project Coordinator

CRJ Executive Board

Justin M. Lee, Sr.

Justin M. Lee, Sr.

Justin M. Lee, Sr., a distinguished figure in Decatur, GA, is recognized as a Licensed General Contractor since 2021 and the proud owner of J.M. Lee Construction Company. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Justin brings a unique perspective to his endeavors. His company, a minority-owned enterprise, specializes in providing comprehensive residential and commercial construction services. In addition to his success in the construction industry, Justin is also a reputable Real Estate Broker and Co-Owner of Fleur De Lee Realty, LLC, alongside his esteemed brother, Austin Fleury, a fellow Morehouse Alumni.