ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University’s John C. West Forum on Politics and Policy has announced its first event for 2024: “Let Love Lead: Creating Healing in a Divisive World.” The free cultural event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. in Dina’s Place.
Kassy Alia Ray, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Serve & Connect, will discuss how to combat divisiveness and enhance relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. She will also share insights from her personal experiences as the widow of Officer Greg Alia, who was killed in the line of duty in 2015.
Serve & Connect focuses on fostering positive change through sustainable police-community partnerships.
“Dr. Alia Ray has dedicated herself to doing the critical work of strengthening the relationship between police organizations and the communities they've pledged to protect—a task made more urgent following the nationwide protests of 2020,” said Adolphus Belk Jr., West Forum director and political science professor. “We are proud that the West Forum can provide a space for such important work.”
About Kassy Alia Ray
Ray earned her Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina. Her work has been featured on NBC’s “Today Show” and in Time Magazine. She serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s subcommittee on Community Policing and the American Psychological Association’s Presidential Taskforce on Reducing Police Officer Use of Force.
South Carolina Business Monthly named her Nonprofit Executive of the Year in 2021 and 2023.
About the West Forum
The West Forum was founded in 2002 at the University of South Carolina by former Governor John C. West. It transferred to Winthrop University in 2008. During his career West worked to highlight the importance of civic education and citizen participation in South Carolina and around the world.
For more information, contact Belk at belka@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2209.
