“Taking the Lead 2020” to resume Thursday
The president of the NAACP Edna Clinton hosted a town hall Zoom with the goal to create better criminal justice and social justice policies for the city of Ames. Iowa State Police Chief Michael Newton said he is working with the Iowa State Police Department communication staff to figure out how to effectively intervene in a biased phone call.
June 23, 2020
Leading with the topic of social justice, the second virtual panel of “Taking the Lead 2020” will take place 6 p.m. Thursday.
Ames NAACP President Edna Clinton, members of the NAACP and the city of Ames have all partnered together to create the series “Taking the Lead 2020: Policing & Justice.” Clinton came up with the idea to show the community of Ames the police department is not capable of unjust and brutal behavior.
The event, as well as protests, took place after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was asphyxiated by former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin.
“Residents of Ames and Story County, we can no longer sit back and idyllically believe that this will not, or cannot, happen in our communities,” Clinton said in a statement. “Therefore it is time that we do something. That we come together as a community and cease simply talking. Talking is no longer enough. There has to be some type of evidence to say and to indicate that policing in Ames, Iowa, is consciously, moment by moment, giving priority to protect and serve all in its truest sense of the words.”
The goals for adapting the social justice and criminal justice policies came from the Ames City Council that related to diversity and inclusion rules to create an encouraging environment for the people in the community.
“Taking the Lead 2020” is one of four town halls that will open up the discussion of social justice.
The second event will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday and will continue with the topic of policing and justice as well as topics surrounding policies, processes, accountability and communication practices within the local police departments.
Iowa State Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Reg Stewart will be moderating the event. Ames Police Commander Geoff Huff, Iowa State Police Deputy Chief Carrie Jacobs and Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald will also be panelists of the event.
Questions for the panel can be submitted through the NAACP website and the town hall will take place on Zoom. Residents can also call 312-626-6799 to phone in during the meeting. It will also be broadcasted live on Mediacom Channel 12 and livestreamed through the city’s website and YouTube channel.
The video will also be archived on the city of Ames website.
