James Parker

Lawyer and SSS alumnus James Parker can now add "author" to his growing list of achievements. The New Assassination, his recently-published first book, examines the ways in which prosecutors, grand juries, the media, and racism conspire to undermine and even destroy national leaders, and black public figures in particular. Painstakingly researched, the book reveals facts which Parker terms not a conspiracy theory but a "conspiracy reality": at one point in recent history, Parker points out, fully half of all black members of Congress were under some form of investigation. Given the current political climate in the United States, The New Assassination appears as strikingly relevant and necessary reading. James read from his work on Thursday, March 25 at 6:00 pm in The Class of '47 Room in the Homer Babbidge Library. Following the reading, which is being co-sponsored by SSS and the Institute for African-American Studies, audience members had a chance to meet the author, have books signed, and further discuss some of the issues raised by the book.

From the time he arrived at the University in 1986 as a first-generation college student, James has been actively involved in the Student Support Services program. For the past three years, he has participated in the Summer Program's series of Student Development Workshops, speaking to students on motivation and commitment to academic and personal success.

James graduated from UConn with honors in 1990, attended Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs as a Ford/Rockefeller Fellow, and earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1993. Currently an attorney with The Legal Innovations Group in Hartford, James also teaches Law at Central Connecticut State University and volunteers for the Board of Directors of Channel 3 Country Camp, which offers summer camp experiences to Connecticut's inner-city youth.