The elected officials that participated included State Rep. Kyle Koehler, Clark County Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt and Clark County Sheriff Deborah K. Burchett.
The conversation centered around the historic impact that racism has had in the community as well as nationally. The discussion also shifted to what local leaders can do to address those concerns.
Local NAACP President Denise Williams said that the goal is to provide a safe space where residents can have an honest conversation about those topics.
Williams said that means providing a space for Black residents to share their experiences and be heard. It also means providing an outlet for white residents to ask uncomfortable questions regarding race.
She said that could relate to systemic racism faced by Black communities across the nation and the effects that it has had over generations ranging from access to quality education, healthcare and employment.
“This is your comfort zone right here. You can ask us anything that you been wanting to ask and never had an answer to,” Williams said to those who participated on Wednesday.
“This is an area where we are going to be respectful. If we have to disagree we are going to do it respectfully,” she added.
The conversation started with what the “Black Lives Matter” movement is advocating for as well as what has been the community’s reaction to it.
Williams noted that she has received several reports of signs related to the “Black Lives Matter” movement being stolen from yards as well as some residents facing backlash for showing support.
Other topics that were discussed focused on hiring practices for local government positions and what can be done to properly represent the diversity of the community.
The discussion also shifted to whether there are plans to declare racism a public health crisis in Clark County.
Williams said that future conversations, hoped to be held monthly, will likely center around specific issues and topics.
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