I Fear for My Life!

This Sunday’s community conversation will take place in person at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, located at 855 E. 20th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, from 7 to 9 PM. Our guests will include the “400 Years of African American History Commission” and the Anchorage Police Department, as the Alaska Black Caucus hosts a Community Training.

Kideste Mariam Yusef, Ph.D., founder of KMY Research and Evaluation, LLC. is a tenured Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and the Associate Dean of Research for the College of Arts and Humanities at Bethune-Cookman University. She also serves as the Director of the B-CU Center for Law and Social Justice. Dr. Yusef’s expertise lies in community-police engagement, race and social justice, and performance management. Her research utilizes mixed methods to examine the role of fear in police-public encounters. With decades of experience, she is a thought leader who works with police departments and communities to enhance collective efficacy, strengthen community-police relations, and improve public safety in vulnerable neighborhoods. Dr. Yusef also serves the Research Director and National Coordinator for the 400 Years of African American History Federal Commission’s “I Fear for My Life: Building Trust & Reducing Fear (IFFML)” Initiative. This initiative which began in 2021 functions as both a national study and vehicle for change, facilitating dialogues between college students and police officers across the U.S. The project has included the engagement of more than five thousand college, high, and middle school students, incarcerated men and women, police officers, clergy, elected officials, and community members across 17 states and 16 colleges and universities along the themes of fear, empowerment, and positive change. Through difficult, yet honest conversations, IFFML humanizes community-police dynamics, toward identifying strategies that build trust, reduce fear, and create safer communities. Dr. Yusef’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards including The White House Presidential Gold Volunteer Service Award, NBA Orlando Magic Social Justice Game Changer Award, Orlando Magazine Women of the Year 2024, Daytona Beach Hometown Hero 2024, National Association Blacks in Criminal Justice Presidential Award, Dean’s Award for Excellence, and Dillard University Center of Racial Justice Award. Dr. Yusef has 20 years of collegiate teaching experience in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and African American Studies. She is a frequent presenter at national, regional, and university conferences, and has facilitated/co-facilitated forums and training workshops on behalf of the Trinidad & Tobago Prison Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), police agencies throughout Florida, Orange County Government, Hillsborough County Government, the City of Orlando, American Federation of Government Employees, the Orlando Magic, and the Jacksonville Jaguars sports organizations. Dr. Yusef’s insights have been featured in prominent outlets, including National Justice Sunday, The Washington Post, NPR, The Miami Herald, The National Desk, Orlando Times, CBS News, WESH, and other outlets.

Breaking Barriers United, LLC.
Ryan Tillman is the founder of Breaking Barriers United, an organization committed to bridging divides, resolving conflicts, and fostering strong relationships. His work emphasizes the goal of thriving communities, with a significant focus on youth empowerment and uniting law enforcement with the communities they serve. As a passionate advocate for positive change, Ryan travels across the nation to share his insights and experiences. His efforts have been recognized by those like Oprah, Michael Strahan, Dak Prescott and a host of news outlets. As a 10-year police officer and former collegiate football player with a background in marketing and business, Ryan brings a unique perspective to law enforcement and is dedicated to shifting negative perceptions. His experience and expertise gives him the opportunity to periodically co-host the TV show, On Patrol Live. Ryan is also the author of “HAPPY EYES”; a book that helps people see others in a new way while advocating to lead with Love, Empathy, and Respect. He is honored to have made significant strides as he continues his mission for change and impact.