How and why do youth get involved in gangs that have white power signs, symbols, and ideologies? Research by Shannon Reid and co-author Matthew Valasik focuses on understanding the evidence behind the development, growth, and influence of alt-right groups within the white power movement. The book seeks to provide parents, policy makers, researchers, and law enforcement with a better understanding of how to identify and deal with these types of gangs. The work is aimed at understanding how to prevent youth from joining these groups, help them leave these groups once they are involved, and help law enforcement properly reduce gang or group-based crime and violence. To learn more about this timely topic, join Reid for the kickoff of the 2021-22 Personally Speaking series, on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. with a virtual event hosted by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, with The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City and the J. Murrey Atkins Library. During her talk, Reid will draw from her book Alt-Right Gangs: A Hazy Shade of White and present how prevention and intervention strategies can make a long-term impact. The talk will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Reid is an associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology. She earned a doctorate in criminology, law and society in 2013 from the University of California, Irvine. She joined the faculty at UNC Charlotte in 2013. Her research is focused on youth violence, especially youth involved in gangs, including white power gangs such as Proud Boys; and on identifying prevention, intervention, and suppression efforts with a long-term impact on this issue. Her research has drawn significant attention, including in the national media, as this topic and its solutions continue to spark discussion.