Community Forum Held In Oklahoma City In Response To Memphis Police Videos

Disturbing video exhibiting the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police sparked a nationwide dialog. A neighborhood discussion board at Oklahoma City’s Tower Theater was held Sunday evening in response to Nichols’ loss of life.

“That is not what the uniform the oath that we take, what we’re supposed to do as police officers, which is protect the public there was none of that I saw in that video,” stated Chief Wade Gourley with the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The discussion board held a panel of regulation enforcement, metropolis council members, civil rights leaders, and a pastor. All have been accessible to start out conversations on methods to return collectively as a neighborhood to cease the violence.

“We found that the easiest way to resolve the problem is to be transparent,” said Civil Rights Leader Marilyn Luper-Hildreth.

Discussions included several topics, including how to file a complaint on an officer, the process of an arrest and how to build trust between law enforcement and the community.

“I believe we need to be heard extra,” stated Putnam City West Senior Amaya Harris. “I think there is a lack of youth involvement and so much affects us every single day.”

Harris, together with one other scholar, spoke about adjustments they want to see, together with a greater relationship between police and college students. They requested if the police chief in attendance can be prepared to return into the colleges as soon as a semester to assist construct these relationships.

“It’s all based off if the officers want to change it,” said Alasia Smith, a senior at John Marshall High School. “And if they don’t, then they won’t, and they’ll forever hear from us.”

Despite the tough discussions, many remain hopeful for change.

“We know the change will not occur in a single day, however the change is people that seem like them not dying on the streets,” stated Oklahoma City Public Schools Administrator Rodney Cox.

Organizers say that is the primary of many boards they hope to carry sooner or later.