The Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch, the local African American Pastors Alliance and the Justice Resource Center of Columbus Indiana have organized a peaceful solidarity rally at noon Thursday. The gathering is to show support for families of African American victims in a string of recent high-profile cases that have unfolded across the nation.
And organizers also want to stand with Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department leaders who say that uses of force such a knee laid on the neck of a suspect never would be tolerated locally among officers and are never part of practices taught in training.
The rally, open to all, will begin with a sidewalk march around the Bartholomew County Courthouse on Washington Street to the City Hall plaza at Second and Washington streets. Organizers said they hope that people will be cognizant of social distancing.
The event is expected to include eight people either speaking or praying and is meant to focus attention on the recent deaths of African Americans George Floyd, Ahmaud Arberry, Breonna Taylor and other African Americans.
Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis Police Department officer put a knee to the back his neck, pinning his handcuffed body to the pavement for more than eight minutes while Floyd was struggling to breathe as a bystander recorded the incident that has triggered protests and riots nationwide.
Ahmaud Arbery is the runner who was shot with a gun by a white man at close range in February in a neighborhood near Brunswick, Georgia — a case with a video clip which also went viral, fanning flames of racial anger. And Taylor is the woman who was shot eight times in March in her bed by Louisville Police Department officers in March on a no-knock search warrant. Later, it was reported that the officers realized they were at the wrong house.
“This issue is not brand new,” said Olisa Humes, local NAACP president. “My entire life in Columbus, I have dealt with something (racial). And I’m tired. I’m just tired.”
Humes added that “getting everybody to stand together in unity can be very impactful. It can create a strong visual of solidarity in our town.”
She said that includes showing the African American community collaborating with the Columbus Police Department, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, Mayor Jim Lienhoop and others.
Bishop Charles A. Sims, a member of the pastors alliance and a longtime local leader, said Thursday’s gathering is meant to be peaceful and respectful. He also said he’s glad to see local citizens remain law abiding while other cities are marked by riots, shootings and the burning of buildings.
“We will not in any way tolerate or condone vandalism or acts of violence,” Sims said. “We just feel a strong need to speak out about the recent atrocities that have happened across the country.
“We are not anti-law enforcement. However, we do want to be clear that we always want the police everywhere to protect us and not kill us.”
Pastor Mike Harris, the pastors alliance leader, said he hopes to see more action come from the African American groups’ work toward equality. The pastors alliance has been especial visible since 2014 on behalf of its work with the school corporation, law enforcement, the mayor, local media and in other areas.
Ideally, Harris said successful, local action in the wake of African Americans’ national anger would be practical steps such as seeing more African American police officers or teachers hired in the city and in Bartholomew County.
“If our young African American residents could somehow see more of their peers on the police forces, they could have more hope (about equality),” said Phil Murray, leader of the year-old Justice Resource Center. That organization works for justice for people about everything from housing to employment.
Pastor David C. Bosley with the pastors alliance emphasized that he wants to make sure both the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department have ample training in de-escalation techniques when arriving upon an especially tense or racially charged scene.
“And this should not be something used as a last resort,” Bosley said.
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What: Peaceful solidarity rally for citizens to stand together for racial equality and against police brutality. Schedule rain or shine.
When: A sidewalk march will begin at noon Thursday aroubnd the Bartholomew County Courthouse on Washington Street and end at City Hall plaza at Second and Washington streets, where a range of ministers and others will pray and speak. Mayor Jim Lienhoop also will offer remarks.
Other speakers: Bishop Charles A. Sims of the local African American Pastors Alliance; Phil Murray of the Justice Resource Center of Columbus Indiana; Olisa Humes of the Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch; Pastor Mark Teike of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers; Columbus City Council member Jerone Wood; Pastor Felipe Martinez of the Not In Columbus anti-hate group.
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Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, Columbus Chief of Police Michael Richardson and the Columbus Human Rights Commission released statements Tuesday on the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop
“The tragic, senseless death of George Floyd and the violence that has occurred since are disheartening for all of us. Mr. Floyd should not have died. The procedures employed to subdue and restrain him were not only unnecessary, they have no place in professional law enforcement.
“As we react to his death – and champion the pursuit of timely justice – it is important that we listen closely to those who are peacefully making their voices heard. They carry an important message that all of us need understand. Unfortunately, that message becomes more difficult to hear when we must also react to lawlessness. The notion that we focus on the message – and not be distracted by destruction – was a cornerstone of the nonviolent approach advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King. His counsel was wise then, it is critically important now.
“It is essential that we maintain communication with those in our community who have questions and concerns and we will do so. I am also extremely proud of our men and women at the Columbus Police Department. Our police department does not teach or tolerate the procedures used in this case. In the alternative, we emphasize de-escalation as a primary practice and our officers will continue serving our community with the compassion and professionalism that we expect.”
Columbus Chief of Police Michael Richardson
“The actions of the four officers in Minneapolis are unacceptable and sadly resulted in the tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd. I want to emphasize that the events that took place in Minneapolis do not reflect the values of the men and women of the Columbus Police Department who risk their own safety each day to protect everyone in our community.
“We have worked hard over the past several years to build and maintain confidence and accountability with the community we serve. One important step in this process was the implementation of a body worn video camera program. While some law enforcement agencies are struggling to implement a body camera program, CPD officers have been using this important and necessary piece of equipment since 2015.
“Another crucial step to maintain trust with the community was taken when the Columbus Police Department joined a small percentage of police agencies across the country when we initially earned CALEA accreditation in November, 2014. CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) provides impartial third party oversight to ensure that the Columbus Police Department establishes and practices the internationally recognized best standards for law enforcement. CPD also maintains state accreditation through the Indiana Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (ILEAC).”
Columbus Human Rights Commission
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and so many before him. Their deaths should prompt the community to pause and reflect how racism affects all daily life. We grieve alongside their families, friends, and community. Together, we must play a role in demonstrating compassion, dignity, and respect throughout our community, as neighbors, co-workers, and parents to foster a more welcoming community.”
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