Learn 2 Live
Bridging the gap between communities of color and law enforcement
Dominique D. Calhoun, Esq.
National Chairman, Learn 2 Live
Mission & Vision
Learn 2 Live is a decade-long initiative addressing the tension between communities of color and law enforcement — equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate police encounters safely while advocating for systemic accountability.
Recognizing that interactions between Black youth and law enforcement can be life-altering — and too often life-ending — Kappa Alpha Psi® launched the Learn 2 Live initiative to empower young people of color with practical knowledge about their legal rights and how to conduct themselves during police encounters.
The program targets youth ages 14–24 and is delivered through a combination of educational workshops, interactive simulations, and community forums. It does not place the burden of change solely on young people — it also engages law enforcement in dialogue, holding both parties accountable for better outcomes.
For more information, visit learn2livemovement.com.
Three-Part Curriculum
Part 1: Understanding the Law & Your Rights
A foundational module covering the Fourth Amendment — protection against unreasonable searches and seizures — and related constitutional rights that govern police-citizen interactions. Participants learn what law enforcement can and cannot legally do, and what they are legally entitled to in any encounter.
Part 2: Interactive Workshops
Scenario-based learning through simulated police encounters allows participants to practice de-escalation techniques, asserting their rights respectfully, and making safe decisions in high-pressure situations. These role-play sessions are designed to build muscle memory for real-world application.
Part 3: Panel Discussions with Law Enforcement
Structured dialogues between youth participants and law enforcement officers create space for honest conversation, mutual understanding, and the building of community trust. Officers hear directly from young people about their experiences and fears; young people hear directly from officers about their perspectives and constraints.
Five-Point Police Accountability Pledge
Kappa Alpha Psi® calls on law enforcement agencies and officers to adopt the following five-point accountability pledge as a commitment to equitable, community-centered policing:
Accountability
Law enforcement agencies will establish and maintain transparent accountability mechanisms that hold officers responsible for misconduct without exception.
Bias Recognition & Training
Officers will receive ongoing training in implicit bias recognition and cultural competency to ensure equitable treatment of all community members regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Community Engagement
Law enforcement agencies will actively participate in community events, youth programs, and dialogue initiatives — building relationships before crises occur rather than in response to them.
De-escalation Priority
De-escalation techniques will be prioritized as the primary strategy in all non-lethal situations, with use-of-force policies that reflect a commitment to preserving human life above all other considerations.
Equity in Enforcement
Agencies will track, review, and publicly report enforcement data disaggregated by race and demographics to ensure that policing practices are applied equitably across all communities.
Bring Learn 2 Live to Your Community
To request a Learn 2 Live forum in your community or to partner with Kappa Alpha Psi® in this initiative, contact the program chairman or visit our website.