As communities throughout the nation deal with discord and even chaos related to issues of race and policing, we in Columbus choose to engage in frank discussion and information sharing. These issues go to the very heart of our community and they affect us all. In response to the palpable need, Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and NAACP Georgia State President Francys Johnson will hold an open dialogue about race and policing: Galvanize Columbus: A Community Conversation about Race Relations and Policing to be held on Friday, July 22 at 6:00 PM.
This session will be facilitated by Judge John Allen, retired Chief Judge of the Columbus, Georgia Judicial System. Community leaders, subject matter experts and citizens who are affected by and deeply engaged in these important issues will be on hand to discuss where we are as a community and a nation, and how we might go forward.
In announcing the event, RiverCenter Executive Director Norm Easterbrook commented: “These will not be easy conversations and this is only just the beginning. It is our intent to offer an inspirational environment in which people can celebrate their common humanity. The RiverCenter is pleased to host the community that came together to build it so that we might find common ground to lay a new foundation for our future.”
Comments submitted in advance will be utilized on the day of the Conversation. Attendees of the Friday session will be able to pose questions through a variety of means to ensure that as many voices as possible can be heard.
