Access to justice will be the focus of an upcoming virtual discussion with Marcilynn A. Burke, dean of the UO School of Law and Dave Frohnmayer Chair in Leadership and Law, and Kimberly Johnson, vice provost for undergraduate education and student success.

The event at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 will focus on “This is My America: Stories, Storytelling and Access to Justice.” It is part of the Pac-12 Access to Justice series, which features free lectures from law schools in the Pac-12 network, including the UO School of Law.

The basis for the discussion will be Johnson’s debut novel, “This is My America,” which explores racial injustice against innocent Black men who are criminally sentenced, leaving family members behind to pick up the pieces. Curriculum based on the book is being taught in middle and high schools around the country, and the novel is in the works to be made into a television series to stream on HBO Max.

Burke and Johnson will discuss the important and often overlooked role of storytelling and the arts in reforming and reimagining the justice system.