CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Mimi Daoud, Director of Operations for Advocates for Social Justice, mentioned efforts to deal with racial equality are like a “rollercoaster,” with moments of fatigue and of renewed consideration. She mentioned the present second of heightened consciousness as a result of death of Tyre Nichols overlaps with points and reform efforts right here in Cedar Rapids.
Nichols was laid to relaxation Wednesday. He was a part of a site visitors cease in Memphis, Tennessee final month. Police physique cam footage exhibits 5 officers pull him out of his automotive and beat him. He died three days later.
Advocates for Social Justice (ASJ) is a Cedar Rapids group that shaped after the dying of George Floyd in Might 2020 with a purpose to elevate the Black Lives Matter motion in Cedar Rapids. Nonetheless, nationwide tales of racial inequality are nonetheless on their radar.
Daoud mentioned ASJ has been involved with organizations in Memphis, Tennessee, “ensuring that they know they’ve help nationwide.”
Finally, Daoud mentioned the work of ASJ is to vary entire methods. Which means holding observe of what occurs, each in different states in addition to at house.
“We have a look at the kind of response that our legislation enforcement in Cedar Rapids has had in direction of Devonna Walker’s killer,” mentioned Daoud.
Devonna Walker, a black lady, was fatally stabbed in Cedar Rapids in January. No arrests have been made in her case.
“I believe that racial fairness and implementing a deep understanding of racial justice and racial fairness in Cedar Rapids is a really troublesome activity that’s going to take a number of work,” mentioned Daoud. She added, “However we’re making progress.”
Advocates for Social Justice made seven calls for to additional their mission. A type of led to the creation of a police overview board in early 2021
“The residents overview board, I believe, greater than something has made it clear that public stress works,” mentioned Daoud.
Regardless of tales like Nichols’, and her criticism of officers’ method to the Walker case, Daoud mentioned she continues to be an optimist, including, she must be.
“I believe that if we have been on this line of labor, and we actually ever believed it was unimaginable, there can be no function to organizations like advocates for social justice,” mentioned Daoud.
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