TULSA— Many cities across the country including Tulsa are having public conversations about race and police relations in the wake of recent violence involving law enforcement.
An estimated 200 people showed up to the Greenwood Cultural Center Monday night to talk about issues impacting our community. The forum called “Tulsa Talks” featured several speakers focusing on police violence.
The night began with a panel discussion involving community leaders. It ended with the community breaking into smaller groups to talk about solutions.
The forum on police violence lasted just about two hours— people broke into discussion groups during the last hour where they could talk about specific issues involving minorities and their interactions with police officers in Tulsa.
Some of the major issues discussed included racial profiling— the use of police body cameras— and the correct way to act when stopped by police.
The group sessions included talks about community policing and ways to improve relations between minorities and police officers.
"It's unfortunate to lose a life in any situation but it's then necessary to respond yes we want to always be proactive but it's imperative that we do put things together in place so that those things don't happen again and not just things in terms of killing but just other systematic things that keep a people oppressed don't continue to happen," said attendee Kiana Smith.
There were no law enforcement agencies represented on the panel but organizers say they plan on involving police officers in the next 'Tulsa Talks' event.
