PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

For more information contact:                

James Meredith Institute
P. 0. Box 12085
Jackson, Mississippi  39236

STATEMENT REGARDING
POLICE SHOOTINGS AND A CIVIL, SAFE, AND SECURE SOCIETY

The most recent incidences of shootings of Black men by police, and retaliation shootings of police by Black men, have focused on the issues of race relations and racism. This is rightly so, as race and racism have historically been significant parts of – and in some ways foundational to – the social, cultural, and economic systems of the United States.

Given the historical and contemporary record, no one should deny that Black people have been and still are subject to discriminatory practices by some White people, and specifically the police in some cases. Nor should there be any dispute that in some cases Black people (as well as people of other colors) respond in uncooperative and even belligerent ways during police encounters.

These problems are not new. This is despite the statement by Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck that “All of a sudden, it becomes more important who your parents are, what the color of your skin is, than whether you are American.” While Chief Beck’s sentiments of non-bias may be appreciated, one must wonder where he has been for the last four hundred years. Attempting to ignore the realities of the ugly side of our human experience will not lead to real progress.

Likewise, proposed solutions to these problems are not new. They have been researched and recommended for decades, even longer. Studies and reports include the 1965 Moynihan Report, the 1997 ACLU Fighting Police Abuse: A Community Action Manual, and others. However, each generation must come to terms with how it addresses these issues of race relations and racism, either for its improvement or to its detriment.

Implementing solutions requires an investment of money and probably increased taxes. This is very likely to antagonize those who want to shrink government by starving it of necessary resources. However, our investments in building a civil, safe, and secure society pales to insignificance in comparison to the expense of continuing down the current path of division.

The James Meredith Institute for Citizenship and Responsible Action agrees that race relations and racism are serious issues for today. Yet they are only a small part of what ills us. The bigger issue is that of good and right. By focusing on good and right we will solve many, if not most, of the issues we face in the United States and throughout the world.

The Meredith Institute proposes a series of local community forums to explore and promote a three-fold action plan to address the race relations and racism issues we face: 1) short-term strategies to reduce police/community conflict; 2) long-term strategies addressing structural concerns in the police and criminal justice system; and 3) holistic strategies to address the macro-issues contributing to the social context affecting race relations and racism in America.

Your help is needed to make this happen! We invite anyone interested in participating or financially supporting these forums to contact the James Meredith Institute at 662.483.0656, or email us at info@meredithcitizen.org. Thank you.

Together, We Can Make America Even More Beautiful. The James Meredith Institute for Citizenship and Responsible Action seeks a world where all people faithfully believe and live the 10 Commandments and Golden Rule, and live as full Citizens, with both Rights and Responsibilities in a fair and just society.  It supports the work of James Meredith to promote true Christian values, U.S. citizenship, and responsible action in order to transform our nation and help America lead the world.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED: “Only the family of God can solve the problems of our time.”  James Meredith

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