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About 30 people gathered in the area of the old court house and police headquarters on Friday afternoon to peacefully protest what they feel is corruption in the local justice system in Genesee County.<\/p>\n
The protest was organized by Amber Blackshear, with the help of her dad Bill Blackshear.<\/p>\n
“We are out here because we feel like a lot of injustices have been done to a lot of us and we are the ones brave enough to speak up right now,” says Amber.<\/p>\n
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Mostly dressed in white t-shirts, holding signs and getting acknowledgement from passing motorist with honking horns, the group moved its way from the old court house to police headquarters.<\/p>\n
“We feel like there is a lot more people out there, we know there is and we want people to know that you have our support and we are here for everybody, so just speak up, you are not alone.”<\/p>\n
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Amber says there are issues that exist with the sentencing process and there are a lot of issues with prosecutors and judges within the Genesee County Justice System.<\/p>\n
Bill Blackshear says he plans to speak before City Council at their next meeting this coming Monday at 7:00p.m.<\/p>\n
“I have ideas that can be implemented by law enforcement, civic leaders and City Council that will ensure a way of using these ideas as stepping stones and solutions to have safer city streets and to have more transparency, more cooperation and a greater sense of community, and that is why my daughter put this peaceful demonstration together.”<\/p>\n
Bill Blackshear says there is not enough light shed on prevention and transparency.<\/p>\n
“There is always room for improvement and we need to share not just the negative things, but the positive things, not just crime and punishment. Most people don’t understand that they can participate in a very effective way in each neighborhood no matter what culture they are, no matter what their social economic standing is, all for safer streets and equal representation.”<\/p>\n
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Some folks were a bit apprehensive and it was difficult for some of the protesters to join in on Friday.<\/p>\n
“There were some people who drove past and made some negative comments, they mentioned “white power” because they think this a black thing. Another person drove by and gave us a negative gesture with his hand, and that comes with the territory when you are trying to break new ground in different ways that have not been tried before.’<\/p>\n
Bill Blackshear says no one usually likes to talk about the blemishes of the court system, but there are areas that need improving. He says people are frustrated on both side of the issue.<\/p>\n
After meeting with Police Chief Shawn Heubusch last year, Bill believes that the Chief is receptive to his ideas.<\/p>\n
One idea is police ride alongs for non violent students to give them an idea of what police officers experience from their point of view.<\/p>\n
-Bring enhanced cultural diversity training to the police and civic leaders.<\/p>\n
This will help bridge the gap between mistrusts on both sides says Balckshear.<\/p>\n
-Create a Co-op law enforcement and Citizen review board.<\/p>\n
-Hold summer street safety themed block parties where police and residents and local agencies come together for cook outs, music and information booths.<\/p>\n
-Promote farmers market events and Community Gardens in neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Blackshear says he plans to present his ideas to the Chief and City Council on Monday night at City Hall.<\/p>\n
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About 30 people gathered in the area of the old court house and police headquarters on Friday afternoon to peacefully protest what they feel is corruption in the local justice system in Genesee County. The protest was organized by Amber Blackshear, with the help of her dad Bill Blackshear. “We \u2026<\/p>\n