A panel discussion on “Black Lives Matter” will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 in Student Union Room 2592 on The University of Toledo’s Main Campus.

Topics will focus on violence within the African-American community and the killing of the unarmed across the nation, according to David Young, director of the UT Office of Multicultural Student Success.

“This discussion will take an honest look at all sides of this issue, and all opinions are welcomed,” Young said. “The purpose is not to lay blame on any group, but to hear each other clearly and provide possible solutions.”

The panel will consist of Albert Earl, community activist; UT Police Chief Jeff Newton; Alicia Smith, leader of the Toledo Black Lives Matter Movement; and Lance Price Jr., president of the UT Black Student Union. Young will be the moderator.

“Following the discussion will be a time of reflection in order to articulate plans of action,” Young said. “This time of reflection would give participants the opportunity to develop and discuss a personal action plan and then a community action plan.”

The free, public event is sponsored by UT Office of Multicultural Student Success. It is part of the office’s “Panel With Purpose” program, which gives students the opportunity to engage in honest conversations on critical issues that affect the African-American, LGBTQA and Latino populations, and also impact the community.