With a theme of “Moving Forward,” two local Black leaders and others will discuss Blacks’ treatment locally and nationally by police and the judicial system during a virtual presentation — one of a series — at 2:30 p.m. today to mark Black History Month.
Pastor Johnnie Edwards, president of the the Columbus/Bartholomew County Area chapter of the NAACP and a member of the local African American Pastors Alliance, will moderate a discussion with Columbus City Council member Jerone Wood, who is Black, with Columbus Police Department Chief Michael Richardson, Columbus Human Rights Commissioner Aida Ramirez and Indiana State Police Capt. Ruben Marte, who is Black.
Edwards emphasized that he believes police and the judicial system generally have a healthy relationship with the local Black community.
“But we still have to answer some hard questions,” Edwards said. “We’re talking about examining relationships. Right now, if you look at how people of color in general and law enforcement in general feel about each other, we’re divided.
“When somebody in a police department somewhere does something wrong, often all police officers get blamed (by the public). The same thing frequently happens within the African American community. One bad person committing a crime doesn’t mean law enforcement can then racially profile all African American people of color.”
“So there has to be some common ground where we can understand each other, and agree that none of us like to feel that way (of being judged collectively).”
Edwards emphasized that the presentation is not intended “to point any fingers or place blame.” But he mentioned that the discussion probably will include highlighting some national incidents. He alluded to the 9-year-old Black girl pepper-sprayed and handcuffed by police after a domestic argument in Rochester, New York. The mother had asked officers to contact mental health authorities on behalf of the girl.
Edwards also mentioned that this will be one of probably multiple such meetings and discussions in the future to maintain good communication with all parties connected to minorities and justice.
“We need a bridge to each other to make sure that we can get along,” Edwards said. “But we can’t do that if we don’t take time to talk to one another.”
What: “Law Enforcement Engagement: Moving Forward,” a virtual discussion about Blacks and their experience with police and the judicial system. Part of a series of presentations for Black History Month.
When: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. today.
Where: On Zoom. Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ib3H7Nf9RfO749RXdav05Q
Registrants will then be sent a link.
