By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Community leaders in the River City and the Twin Cities say there has been progress towards racial equality, but made it clear there is still a lot more that needs to be done.
Bloomington-Normal’s NAACP chapter has been in constant talks with local law enforcement over the past year. Police have apparently been receptive to body cameras and denouncing choke holds, but Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson said there is still a lot more change needed like qualified immunity polices.
“Certainly we have witnessed some progress, but I do not think this is time at all for a victory lap,” said Campbell-Jackson.
On Tuesday, NAACP held a virtual prayer over zoom, which included discussions about current progress towards equality in the Twin Cities.
In Peoria, the City Council is expected to approve the first members of the City-County Commission on Racial Justice and Equity.
“It has a steering committee, as well as 8 sub committees that focus on those areas where there’s the most inequities based upon race,” said Mayor Rita Ali.
Those areas include housing, health, education, and jobs.
Mayor Ali hopes the commission will find ways to improve racial equality in every aspect of life, including the times the police interact with people of color.
“I think we have to have more town meetings that involve the police, more communication between the community and the police, leadership, as well as officers on the street,” said Ali.
If the council approves the new members of the commission, the county will need to do the same. After that approval, the commission could start meeting as soon as late June.
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