(l-r) Co-Hosts: Carla Hudson, and Judge Rachel L. Bell is the Moderator. (courtesy photo)
Visionary Carla Hudson, moderator Judge Rachel L. Bell (with the Music City General Sessions Court Division VIII) and a group of noted, informed panelist are set to effectively raise awareness and educate the masses on seriously important subject matters on Saturday, February 4. The viewing style panel workshop and panel discussion titled ‘The 13th Amendment and the Criminal Justice System” will take place at the John Siegenthaler 1st Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, located at 1207 8th Avenue South, Nashville, Tenn. 37212. Organizers ensure that this history-making day will promptly start at 1 pm and end at 4:30 pm, CST. It kicks off with a free 13th documentary viewing, a reception and then the much-awaited viewing panel discussion.
Carla Hudson is a successful entrepreneur, community activist, wife of esteemed attorney David Hudson and a versatile, beautiful strong woman who saw a need for this forum. When asked about this particular concern and what spawned her to be the brainchild of such a deep but necessary endeavor, she simply replied: “It’s about positive change and we must begin or jump in somewhere!”
Workshop panelists include: Glenn R. Funk who became District Attorney General of the 20th Judicial District in 2014; and Daniel Sharfstein, who is a professor of law and history and director of the George Barrett Social Justice Program at Vanderbilt (Sharfstein is the author of two books); Dr. Rubin Cockrell who is an international speaker, author, entrepreneur and professor; Daniel Horwitz who is a constitutional lawyer practicing in Nashville; and Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings who is senior pastor of the historic New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville, Tenn.
Moderator Judge Rachel L. Bell has a stellar track record of staunch community service on and off the bench, with a sincere passion for the people of Nashville, which she serves. With a strong team in place she has contributed and invested a great deal of professional service to the community via the Music City General Sessions Music City Court, Division VIII.
“From slave to criminal with one amendment,” she said “is questionable. A clear understanding of our nation’s Constitution and all amendments may be needed, or revisited for many reasons in this day and time we live in. Knowledge is key and one of the ultimate powers available.”
A synopsis of the 13th Amendment states: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was passed by the Senate on April 8, 1864, by the House on January 31, 1865, and adopted by the states on December 6, 1865. On December 18, 1865, Secretary of State William H. Seward proclaimed it to have been enacted. It was the first of the three Reconstruction Amendments adopted following the American Civil War.
To RSVP and for more information, visit the Facebook page: <www.facebook.com/events/240801772992150/>.
