Robert King - Critical Research Seminar Series at LJMU

Robert King - The Story of a Black Panther. This will be introduced by Prof. Joe Sim, then a screening of 'In the Land of the Free', followed by questions and answers with Robert King.

4pm - 7pm Wednesday 12th October 2011
Venue: Liverpool John Moores University, 68 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BZ

Convicted of a murder he didn't commit, Robert King was sentenced to life without parole and spent 29 years in solitary confinement (a 6ft x 9 ft cell) in Louisiana's Angola prison until his release in 2001.

While in prison, King joined Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox in forming a prison chapter of the Black Panther Party while successfully organizing prisoners in the struggle to improve conditions, reduce sexual assault, improve food quality and confront racism - all of which were condoned and even instigated by prison security.

As a result of their activism, and as members of the Black Panther party, they were convicted of the murder of a prison guard based on no DNA evidence and the testimony of a blind eye witness and a prison snitch. Wallace and Woodfox remain in Angola prison to this day despite having their convictions overturned by Federal courts. This gross miscarriage of justice is now the focus of a recent film, In the Land of the Free, directed by Vadim Jean and narrated by Samuel L Jackson which is being shown as part of the event on 12th October.

Hosted by Liverpool John Moores University, Robert King comes here to tell his personal story of injustice, to expose the cruelty of the prison-industrial complex and call for the release of Wallace and Woodfox. He calls into question both the systemic injustices involving social class and racism that lead people to unjust incarceration as well as the human rights violations that prisoners must endure once incarcerated.

This event marks the launch of the The Centre for the Study of Crime, Criminalisation and Social Exlcusion (CCSE) Critical Research Seminar series.

About the CCSE Critical Research Seminar Series

This seminar series offers a platform for guest speakers to discuss their past, present and ongoing research within the fields of crime, criminalisation, marginalization and social exclusion; and/or their involvement with a variety of campaigning and community groups affected by such processes. Cohering with the focus and aims of the CCSE, the emphasis of the seminar series is upon critical research and/or practice. It aims, in particular, to provide a forum for individuals, groups, experiences and views which typically struggle to be heard.

The event is free but places are limited. In order to help us cater appropriately we ask that you please indicate your attendance by visiting http://robertkingccseseminar.eventbrite.com/ and registering your attendance.