An analysis of race relations in Jonesboro is to be provided during a special event Sunday afternoon. Known as “Community Conversations”, the two hour program will feature a panel discussion, a question and answer session, and a time to discuss what can be done about race relations. One of the panelists for the event is Dr. Gabriel Tait. He is an Assistant Professor of Journalism at Arkansas State University. Tait tells KASU news about some of the topics that will be discussed.
“I know that education will be discussed, as well as policing, and politics may also be addressed. I think that we will also address anything else that the public brings forth for conversation we will discuss it.”
Gabriel Tait. Another panelist is Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliot. He says one of the reasons why the he started programs, such as community police classes for the public, is to help the community and the police department to come together and work together. He says events like these can help the police department understand the issues and work better in the community.
“This event is a way for the community to come together and people can put issues on the table. We will be able to develop some plans to make things better.”
Rick Elliot. Emma Agnew is with the City of Jonesboro and says she hopes there will be a better understanding about race relations and how to move forward in the future.
“We want to start to tear those walls down as we start to educate people and educate each other about backgrounds and why we hold certain views. From there, we can start a dialogue to see what we can do to change things, with the ultimate goal being that we will enjoy each other.”
Emma Agnew. The moderator for the event is Dr. Cherisse Jones Branch from Arkansas State University.
“The way I think about this as an opportunity for people to come to the table who might not ordinarily have conversations with each other. This will allow us to discuss things that concern us. The main goals is to make Jonesboro the best place that it can be for all of us to live.”
The event is expected to be the first of several community meetings about race in Jonesboro. It will be held Sunday at two at the Craighead County-Jonesboro Public Library in the Round Room. The event is part of the celebration of the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior.
