Some local branches of the NAACP and other community organizations are speaking out about police treatment of African-Americans—especially the recent high-profile incidents in the U.S. where some have died while in custody or under pursuit. They’re taking their concerns on the road with a listening tour that will enable citizens to share their own personal experiences -- and they’re hoping the “Spring Social Justice Series” will help spark wholesale changes in the criminal justice system.
Organizers said they are joining forces with churches that will host local forums. They will feature conversations with citizens about incidents that have made national headlines, as well as police encounters in Virginia. They say racial problems in criminal justice are systemic—and not only involve police, but also some prosecutors and judges who impose more severe punishments on African-Americans. Former Richmond City Councilman Marty Jewell said forum leaders will then push for policy and cultural changes.
“We have seen the protests, we’ve seen the marches. We’ve been a part of it. But that only amplifies the problem. We aim to sit down with law enforcement, with commonwealth’s attorneys, with elected officials. Our elected officials have been extremely quiet about all of this jiggity. And at some point, they’ve gotta’ stand up. And so, we’ll sit down with them, and we’ll work up some solutions.”
Jewell and others say police body cameras are part of the solution to help transform behavior. The forums begin this week in Central Virginia and some organizers intend to take them statewide.
