Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 6-11-21

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021
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Panel Discusses Expectations After The Chauvin Verdict
Derrick Brooks Charities hosted its Community-Police Relationships Zoom Meeting on Monday (May 24th) evening. Nearly 100 persons participated, including law enforce- ment, students, elected officials, local community persons, and some indi- viduals from around the state.
Moderators for the 6 p. m. event were Lieutenant Karl Davis (Ret.), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; and Major Rocky Ratliff (Ret.), Tampa Police Dept.
Darrell Daniels, Executive Di- rector, Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Programs, said the 40+ mem- ber group meets throughout the year, but after COVID-19, they suspended their open meetings. In November the group started meeting virtually so that they could discuss daily happen- ings.
Monday night’s discussion was ti- tled, “After The Verdict. ” This was an educational gathering,” Daniels said. “We celebrated the (Derek) Chauvin verdict. We celebrated the record settlement the family re- ceived. But what will it be like when we learn of his sentencing?”
That’s what the discussion was about. Chauvin, a former police of- ficer, received 3 guilty verdicts for the murder of citizen George Floyd on May 25, 2020 (Memorial Day), when he held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds.
“People in the community are thinking that he could get 40 years” when he’s sentenced on June 24, 2021. “A judge (Judge Bradley Harper, Palm Beach County) on our panel said each state has different guidelines. There are a number of factors that could mean he will not get 40 years.”
In addition to the adults, several young adults are also participants in these meetings.
Rechi Butler, a community res- ident and businessman, said he is about bridging the gap between police and the community. He leaves no stones unturned when answering questions directly.
“The youth asked many questions and they were very interested in this topic,” he said. “We talked to them about what to do and what not to do when stopped by police officers.”
Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks, Ex- ecutive Director, Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise, Inc., was also pleased with the youth participa-
DARRELL DANIELS
RECHI BUTLER
tion. “I’ve always been an advocate for having their voices heard. They should be at the table. We talk about them, but we don’t hear from them.” She pushes for youth involvement.
Many of the youth participants are mandated by the courts to partic- ipate in these type programs. To help them reach their goal, Butler hires many of them to be a part of his busi- ness.
Retired Police Major Rocky Ratliff, said the panel also talked about solutions for the continued shootings of Black and Brown people, especially men.
“We need more community polic- ing. When I was an officer I had a program, “Boots On The Ground,” to get the officers in my District out in the community to build a rapport with the citizens. Also, police need to know how to talk to people. Their job is to deescalate the situation with a tone that brings out calmness.”
ROCKY RATLIFF
JACQUELINE COFFIE-LEEKS
MAJOR ANTHONY COLLINS
Major Anthony Collins, Hills- borough County Sheriff’s Office, said the panel had a message to get out. “People are expecting Chauvin to get the maximum 40 years. But many don’t know the Criminal Justice Sys- tem and how it works. People just may be disappointed at what hap- pens,” he said.
Maj. Collins commended the way Butler addressed a youth who said he felt that he may be traveling down a path he had gone before, but didn’t want to do that.
Major Calvin Johnson of the Tampa Police Dept., as the other members of the panel, was pleased with the way Butler interacted with the youth. “We had real conversa- tions with the youth via Zoom. But- ler has experience with the criminal justice system. He talked with them about how to behave when dealing with the police. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way. We’re trying to build fu-
MAJOR CALVIN JOHNSON
ture leaders to pass the torch.”
Their message to the Black and Brown youth was to address miscon- duct in other avenues, other than the
streets.
Others on the panel were: Chief
Nate Osgood, Chief, Riviera Beach Police Dept.
Also joining in the call were State Rep. Dianne Hart and County Commissioner Gwen Myers. Councilman Orlando Gudes at- tended the two previous forums.
Joining Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc. Youth Programs as sponsors were: Tampa Bay Super Bowl For- ever 55, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Sheriff’s Black Advisory Council, Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise, Get It Straight Foundation, and Strategic Community Engagement Consulting, LLC. (Article by Gwen Hayes)