Winston-Salem State University held a discussion and conversation with a multitude of law enforcement agencies from around the state Tuesday evening. The program was called, “Black Experiences In Law Enforcement." The program was put on by Winston-Salem State University's Justice Studies Program, Mu Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives Charlotte Field Division. The panel that spoke Tuesday night consisted of African American law enforcement professionals from both local, state and federal agencies. From agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to the Winston-Salem Police Department, there was no shortage of law enforcement experience and speakers. “To expose our undergraduates with law enforcement officials across the country who look like them,” said Dr. Jack Monell, an associate professor of justice studies at WSSU. The goal of the program which was called, “Black Experiences in law enforcement” was to inspire and motivate students while also shedding light on what it is like working in different law enforcement fields as an African American. “Representation matters what this program provided our students an HBCU, a historically Black college and university is that nationally not just locally, nationally you have representation from African American representation on all jurisdictional levels,” Monell said.The panel included people like U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina Sandra Hairston, who along with others, spoke about the challenges they have faced. Hairston said when she first started in the U.S. Attorney’s office more than 30 years ago, there was only one other woman there for several years before more came on. “Some people may call it a challenge I found that it presented me opportunities to do great for the district and to make a difference for the community,” Hairston said.ATF Charlotte Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood also took part. “We wanted to give them a first-hand account of some of the things that we go through as law enforcement officers. In addition to that we wanted to make sure that we started recruiting some of the young people,” he said. The program also featured questions from WSSU students. “Put your head down work hard and understand that you can make a difference in law enforcement,” Hairston said.All the panelists encouraged students to also continue to look into and take advantage of internships.