Young Adults Gather to Discuss Police Violence with Local Leaders

by Ellis Eskew

Friday night a community of young adults gathered together at True Divine Baptist Church.
It was a time for them to voice their concerns to local leaders about some of the racial injustices they feel are happening in the country today.

“We felt that we had to address it. We need to come together and have fruitful conversations about it. Not just be angry at the police and not just be angry period,” said organizer Ashley Smith.

Six panelists made up of the District Attorney, law enforcement, as well as professors and attorneys took questions from the audience.

D.A. Daryl Bailey says he believes there is something we need to help ease tensions locally.
 

“A lot of it begins with trust. And local leaders, such as me and the police chief that is about to come on board, we need to get out in the community. It’s all about trust. If we can build that trust with the community then when an incident happens the people will trust that we will do the right thing,” said Bailey.

There were questions of why there is racial profiling and why it still happens to innocent people.

Former State Representative Joe Hubbard was also on the panel.
He says while there may not be clear answers on how to solve all the problems across the country, he says communication is key.

“I don’t think we’ll  find any one solution. Every one community has its own feel, its own personalities. But, tonight, what we can do is set an example for how to better engage in community dialogue,” said Hubbard.