Knox County Public Library invites the public to join Clarence Vaughn for a consideration of The Black and the Blue: A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in America’s Law Enforcement by Matthew Horace, at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019 in the East Tennessee History Center auditorium (601 South Gay Street).
 
"Horace provides a riveting and portentous view from differing perspectives regarding community engagement with law enforcement," Vaughn said. "The Black and the Blue sheds light on the importance of maintaining certain key principles of the civil rights movement and transitioning those principles into a human rights movement, with a concentrated emphasis for all humankind to be treated equally and fairly."
 
The Black and the Blue is described by reviewers as a brilliantly researched examination of the police force. Authors Matthew Horace and Ron Harris posit that many of today's police tactics are built upon decades of toxic internal policies and the post-civil rights era War on Drugs. The author started his career in local policing and eventually ascended to the Department of Justice’s Senior Executive Service. After a personal encounter with racial profiling by a white officer, Horace sought to understand the very system he represented.
 
Clarence Vaughn is Executive Director of the Police Advisory and Review Committee for the City of Knoxville, where he works to ensure citizens have a voice in police matters. He is also a member of the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement focused on improving relationships between law enforcement and citizens. Recognized by Knoxville Business Journal as a “40 under 40” honoree, Vaughn’s passion for service and philanthropic activities motivate him to serve in leadership roles in citizen academies at the federal and local level.

Books Sandwiched In is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of Knox County Public Library. Bring a sandwich or pick up something at a downtown restaurant. Drinks will be available for 50 cents.
 
Future Books Sandwiched In programs:

• March 27: Dr. Kelsey Ellis, University of Tennessee, discussing Cure for Catastrophe: How We Can Stop Manufacturing Natural Disasters by Robert Muir-Wood

• April 24: Dr. Maria Campa, UT Bredesen Center, discussing Saudi America: The Truth about Fracking and How It’s Changing the World by Bethany McLean

• May 22: Julie Gautreau, Attorney at Knox County Public Defenders Community Law Office, discussing American Prison: A Reporter's Undercover Journey into the Business of Punishment by Shane Bauer

Click here to learn more about the Knox County Library's Books Sandwiched In Series.