Talking A Stance
We will engage in an exploratory conversation about current policing behaviors and practices in communities of color to include broader themes such as gun violence, biased policing and racism.
Leader
Sache WilliamsRockamore
Location
17109 Lakeshore Blvd Cleveland, OH 44108
About the project
Friends of the Cleveland Police Commission is seeking to raise money to support "Talking a Stance". Talking a Stance is a one-day conversation addressing a book club reading and featuring 4 local authors. We hope to provide items such as food and gifts for the speakers so that the event may be a success.
The purpose of this event is to engage in a conversation that explores areas of concern by citizens regarding practices and behaviors of the law enforcement officers in communities of color. This conversation gives the community a safe place to have an authentic conversation about those concerns. The goal is to empower members to feel that they are able to contribute meaningfully and develop functional capabilities that enable them to participate fully in community and police oriented problem-solving. The primary goal of this engagement is to help the various communities of Cleveland find their “voice” and begin to shape a new narrative regarding policing in black and brown communities. We hope this is one step towards providing the impetus and direction needed to help communities take a stand for what they envision for the future of Cleveland and to galvanize underlying anger, pain, and fury into a positive and productive energized force for change.
The Steps
A summer reading series has just concluded. This reading series was in partnership with the Cleveland Public Library at several branches on both the east and west side. These conversations provided the "traction" for the final event.
Local book authors have been confirmed as guest panelists for the event. These authors include Tim White, David Wilson, Michael Anderson, and Donald Henderson.
The location has been confirmed. The event will take place at the Memorial-Nottingham Library located at 17109 Lakeshore Blvd
Promotion of the event has begun. Talking A Stance is being promoted on all social media including Facebook, Eventbrite, Twitter and the CPC website. We are also promoting the event via list serves and grass roots (in block clubs and other community meetings, at other events, rec centers, etc)
Why we‘re doing it
This conversation helps to bring greater awareness at a community level and to keep vigilance prominent. The conversation also empowers the community with actionable items to help move beyond the conversation and begin to build the communities they want to see.