In response to FADE’s ongoing efforts to bring to light troubling reports of racial disparities and bias in the Durham Police Department, Mayor Bell convened the Human Relations Commission on Tuesday October 1, 2013 to hear from the community. As the meeting commenced, there was a palpable sense of urgency and somberness among the packed audience. In a orderly and quiet manner, a steady stream of community members, eighteen in all, came before the Commission to speak. They were an impressive cross-section of Durham—old and young, black and white, the primly and casually dressed, all united by a desire to make the community they love work better for all people.
As the meeting came to a close, the Chair of the Commission informed the audience that members would now take time to review written and oral testimony and data reports, conducting further research as needed. Ultimately, the Chair said, the Commission would make recommendations to City Council regarding the issues raised at the hearing. When it become apparent that there would be no further comment from Commissioners, an audience member haltingly shouted out, “Will we know what recommendations you make?” The Chair responded formally and somewhat unconvincingly, “You will know.”
Want to get involved? You can visit the FADE Facebook page to learn more and attend the group’s next meeting. You can also email shoshannahsayers@southerncoalition.org to join SCSJ’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative email list and receive regular updates.
Post by SCSJ Macro Social Work intern Meredith McMonigle