Saint Leo University continued it’s Courageous Conversations Series on Oct. 15 with a discussion of social justice and advocacy.

The event was free to the public and held virtually, a release on the university's website said. Bryan Stevenson's book, "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption," was discussed during the event. 

"Examining this narrative of 'Just Mercy' through a variety of lenses will provide a forum to discuss issues of race and racism; the impact of socioeconomic status; ethics and America’s criminal justice system; the structure and role of nonprofit organizations; how religion and spirituality shape perceptions of and interactions with the criminal justice system; as well as juvenile justice; education and mass incarceration," the university said in the release. 

Organizations and companies continue to embrace diversity and social justice after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. 

“2020 has revealed issues of social justice are more present than ever; and individuals, communities and even companies have proclaimed their allegiance to social justice,” Dr. Ebony Perez, chair of the Department of Undergraduate Social Work and assistant professor of undergraduate social work, said in the release. “However, the term ‘social justice' is broad and in some ways non-specific. So, what do we mean when we say ‘social justice'? Is a protest the only way to advocate for social justice?”

Other upcoming events in the Courageous Conversations Series include: Charlotte Braziel on criminal justice (Nov. 19); Dr. Pamela Lee on business and nonprofits (Jan. 21); Dr. Marc Pugliese on religion and spirituality (Feb. 18) and Dr. Fern Aefsky on education (March 18).