"Robert Seymour Wright is a Social Worker and Sociologist whose 29 year career has spanned the fields of education, child welfare, forensic mental health, trauma, sexual violence, and cultural competence. A 'clinician/academic/administrator,' he has always integrated his work delivering direct practice clinical service to clients with teaching and supervising interns, and promoting lasting systemic change through social policy advocacy. He also consults, trains, speaks and comments on a wide range of issues. His extensive pro bono work gave birth to The Peoples' Counselling Clinic, a non-profit mental health clinic. His pioneering work with colleagues in cultural competence and conducting cultural assessments has received national attention." In preparation for today's interview, students from SOAN 3501 watched documentaries about the Central Park Five and read Duru's 2004 article entitled "The Central Park Five, The Scottsboro Boys, and the Myth of the Bestial Black Man." This myth, described by Duru as "deeply embedded in the American psyche" and the American Criminal Justice System frames Black men as "animalistic, sexually unrestrained, and ultimately bent on rape" (p. 1315).
Duru (2004, March). The Central Park Five, The Scottsboro Boys, and the Myth of the Bestial Black Man, The Cardozo Law Review, pp. 1-41.