YOUR TOWN

Bethune-Cookman University professor receives national volunteer award

Dr. Kideste Yusef has been honored for 'I Fear for My Life' initiative.

By Karen Parks, Bethune-Cookman University
| 5:00 p.m. August 25, 2023

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

Kideste Yusef, Bethune-Cookman University associate professor and department chair of criminal justice, recently received the President’s Volunteer Gold Service Award for her work on the “I Fear for My Life” federal initiative with the 400 Years of African American History Commission.

The initiative was designed to build trust and reduce fear between police and communities of color.

“I am so thankful and honored to have been recognized by the White House with a Gold Presidential Service Award for my work with the 400 Years of African American History Commission, documenting African American college students’ experiences with police,” Yusef said. “My passion for social justice has led to expertise in several areas, including community-police relations, police use of force, student leadership and development, juvenile justice and delinquency prevention and performance management.”

The “I Fear for My Life” initiative established a database of resources to help communities begin working toward transparency and accountability in policing while tackling the fear experienced on both sides. To learn more, visit IFearforMyLife.org.