Citizens and law enforcement officers gather for haircuts, communication

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) — Over the past two years, police and people of color have experienced many tense moments across the country.

In 2020, the death of George Floyd led to protests across Charlotte for 10 consecutive days. Residents of the Queen City took to the streets, calling for justice and equality.

There were also protests after the shooting of Michael Brown and Keith Lamont Scott.

Since then, better communication and better relations have become top priorities between the police and the black community.

This afternoon in Charlotte, local black men held a town hall meeting meant to fuel that conversation, while giving haircuts to people in the local community.

Topics discussed at the meeting included officer hiring and training practices, mental health and youth violence.

“It makes me feel good,” said Shakor Jasper. “It makes me feel like there’s more change now.”

Organizers also highlighted the need for younger generations to continue these conversations.

“It was a most impactful event for the kids,” said Duvale Murchison, president-elect of 100 Men of Charlotte. “I mean they had the district attorney here. They had a chief of police from Matthews here. They had a CMPD captain.

Jasper, who is 14, is one such child.

“Just improving our youth when we’re young, you know? Like starting with the little kids first because that’s our future,” Jasper said. “Instead of working on adults, we also need to work on our children.”

Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department were also present.

“We don’t try to have conversations after something happens,” said CMPD captain Lucas Bieth. “You know, a person’s children are like my children. What would I wish for them? I want the best and safest world with the most opportunities and shame on us if we can’t do anything and everything we can try to take care of them.

Issues within the community can’t be solved overnight, but with programs like Cops & Barbers, people can start talking and building trust about something as simple as a haircut. hair.

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