NEW: Forum on 'Ferguson and Beyond' to be Held on South Side on Saturday
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Forum on 'Ferguson and Beyond' to be Held on South Side on Saturday
"This public forum seeks to tackle race relations in a healthy & informative way. The forum also seeks to address the reality of oppression within Black/ impoverished communities and how we may realize a move forward," said event organizers Shana Weinberg and Carolyn Thomas-Davis.
Who Will Be There
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe forum is being presented by the Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice at Brown University, and will be facilitated by Providence councilwoman Mary Kay Harris along with a panel that consists of Erroll Lomba (Roots Media), Monay McNeil (Student), Steve Roberts and Jonathan Lewis (Positive Peace Warrior Network) and OneVoiceRI.
"The issue of aggressive policing and the resounding, global response to the injustices (non indictments) of high profile deaths of unarmed African Americans has set the stage for an important discussion," said Wienberg and Davis-Thomas.
For more informatoin, call 863.5085
RI Reacts to Ferguson
Pilar McCould
Providence NAACP Branch
"Although I understand the law, I cannot wrap my head around this decision. So am I to understand that Mike Vick who fought dogs.....illegal yes, did do jail time, lost his position & had to prove himself in society once released from prison is a criminal but a law officer can shoot kill an unarmed young man & not be indicated on any charges????
We have come from the days of MLK.......or have we???? There are times I feel as though it's a modern day Jim Crowe. And I somehow have to be able to explain this to students who I work with, parents who are angry & community residents who are outraged."
Kobi Dennis
Project Night Vision
"My thoughts come from a local standpoint. The urban community for decades have not seen "Eye to Eye" with law enforcement. They don't understand our culture and we don't understand theirs... This situation and many others have been extremely difficult to navigate, especially from a civilian point of view. I agree with the masses concerning police brutality, racist officers and unjust arrests.
What I don't believe in has to do with continuing this unbalanced relationship. We need one another and the sooner community & law enforcement realize this, incidents such as the Mike Brown death will lesson. The community has extended an "Olive Branch" on many occasions and the responses from law enforcement and community are improving. We have plenty of work to do on this issue and several others concerning race relations but it takes hard work and dedication instead of millions of angry bloggers."
Leah Williams Metts
NAACP Youth Council
"I believe that everyone had hope but in the back of our mind we knew what the verdict was going to be
We knew he would get off free for this its sad. I am very happy that they took a second look at the case. I think that that might have sent a huge message to police officers all over this country."
Ray Watson
Mt. Hope Neighborhood Association
"Legally they have their reasons. But morally and righteously, is disgraceful. And it's systemic. Overwhelmingly Law Enforcement can shoot people, especially young Black males, with impunity. I'll be out tomorrow voicing my disgust with the situation. I hope others will join us as well."
