"BREAKING CHAINS" ADDRESSES MALE VIOLENCE

Posted on November 8, 2010

Male students will hear from two Pittsburgh-area experts in conflict resolution and violence prevention during a presentation at 11 a.m. Nov. 18 in Morgan Hall.

“Breaking Chains: To End Violence” has been organized in response to the tragic death of Jeron Grayson, a Hampton University student who was fatally shot Oct. 17 in California Borough.

Presenter Darnell Drewery is co-founder of the Shyne Awards, which celebrate the positive achievements of young adults in the Pittsburgh region. He is a certified crisis responder for the National Organization for Victim Assistance, as well as a certified conflict resolution and mediation counselor.

Speaker Cornell Jones is head Protestant chaplain at the State Correctional Institute of Pittsburgh and pastor of Iron Cross Ministries. He has 15 years of professional experience with anti-violence community initiatives and has earned certificates in conflict management.

“The purpose of the event is to provide space for male Cal U students concerned with violence to discuss contributing factors and to formulate a plan to address the violence,” said Dr. Lisa McBride, special assistant to Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and university ombudsperson.

“The event will provide an opportunity for male students at Cal U to have an open and honest discussion about their experiences with violence, hear from advocates who have created successful programs to prevent gun violence and help form a plan for their campus community.”

The event is being sponsored by Cal U Men United, a newly formed mentoring group that supports the growth, development and achievement of men of color as they strive to become men of character prepared to take an active role in the global community.

It is being presented during the common hour, when no classes are scheduled, so all men who are interested may attend.