Cops And Kids: Bridging The Gap "In Review"
BlabOnAirCares thanks everyone who came out Saturday, March 21,2015, making Cops And Kids: Bridging the Gap, an enormous success. In a climate, where images and words dominate local and world news about the disconnect between police and the people they serve, we came together in hopes of bridging the gap. On this Saturday morning at Mitchell's Ultra Lounge residents near and far came together to do more than sit and listen. Headlining a panel of five was Sgt. Kevin Jackson. Also, panelist Officer(s) Dawn Bybee, Brandon Tisdale, Sherman Whatley and Justin Jackson brought their experience to an audience seeking to hear a message to dispel perceptions and foster unity. Below, you'll find recollections from people around the room:
Marcus Epps, 2015 Mayoral hopeful: “I was pleased to see diversity in the crowd for such a divisive topic in America today. It’s important that Euclid protects Euclid, and I applaud Mr. Saleem for his efforts to do just that!”
Robert Pruitt, Euclid's YMCA: “I enjoyed the experience and gained valuable knowledge at the event.”
Russell White, InFocus Cleveland: “Need more conversations like this in the community. Our youth definitely were enlightened and appreciated the transparency of the officers.”
Stephana Caviness, Euclid City Council: “A desire for unity filled the room. Amir, thank you for addressing the most valuable concern we have in our community: Our Youth. The truth may be harsh, but a lie is a disgrace to your dignity!”
Celeste Brown, Community Service Coordinator-Cuyahoga County: “I believe I made a valuable contact.”
Dorran Crosby, Student-Ohio Center for Broadcasting: “Witnessed a community coming together, to show a safe communication between children and police.”
Amakhut Tyehimba, Host of Teenz Summit-BlabOnAir.Com: “The event was very welcoming and the discussion was open to all, especially the youth. All in all, people were more empowered by knowing their rights.
Thomas A. Owens, Living Water Church of God: “This past Saturday I was privileged to sit in a meeting where police and community came together to talk about us! There is no I in community, there is just us. It was a good meeting!”
Kandace Jones, Euclid City Council: “The Cops & Kids event was great. It was good to see the dialogue with audience and panelist. Some great questions were asked. This is information that needs to be shared. A great proactive positive way to help our community. Look forward to more sessions like this.”
A special thanks to: Derek Wooten, Kandace Jones, Veronica Waller, Sgt. Kevin Jackson and the Tyehimba Family for their in-kind services. To performers: Nate "2x's" Gray, Lauren Carpenter, Roger "Slimm Catalino" Reed. Also, our distinguished guest/panelist, Kevin Jackson, Dawn Bybee, Brandon Tisdale, Sherman Whatley and Justin Jackson. And making their inaugural appearance with BlabOnAir, the ladies of "D-Squared Step Team". Music and Audio provided by Mikal Rassoul and our MC/Comedian extraordinaire, Brian Tidwell
Amir Saleem
BlabOnAirCares: A division of By Leaps And Bounds Inc. BlabOnAirCares is a global [501C-3] media organization that supports Men, Women, Boys,Girls and Families overcome trauma, through communications, and maximize their potential. One Person, One Community and One Cause, At A time