'Not In My City' Meetings Stress Proactive Approach To Race And Communication

For the second time in two weeks, a group made up of people of all races focused on a simple, open dialogue.

Sunday, December 14th 2014, 9:43 pm

By: News On 6

'Not In My City' Meetings Stress Proactive Approach To Race And Communication

Be proactive and start communicating now -- that was the message Sunday afternoon at an event called “Not In My City.”

For the second time in two weeks, a group made up of people of all races focused on a simple, open dialogue.

Conquering hate was the goal Sunday night at the second round of the Not In My City events, which began in response to recent events in Ferguson and New York.

"It takes grass roots and every day individuals who want to prevent this from happening in their city," Robert Caddy said.

Black and white, young and old were participants in the talks.

Frank Lowery, 93, said he was overjoyed when he saw the announcement about the meeting.

"I guarantee I said at that moment, I'm gonna be there!" Lowery said.

His message is that changes are needed.

"In our police department and governing bodies, and those changes have to start at the top,” he said. “If they don't start at the top, it's not gonna filter down."

Others stressed the importance of better policy in Tulsa and a more proactive approach.

"Continuous programs to create better relationships between law enforcement and the citizens, citizen taxpayer,” Robert Caddy said.

Shannon Darby, a teacher and mother of children who are biracial, came out to see how she could help make a difference.

"They have experienced some racial profiling and I have some friends who have experienced the same,” Darby said. “Show up to city council meetings. Have peaceful protests if that's what will make a difference. Whatever makes a difference. I can do my best."

The group hopes to have another event around the New Year in order to keep the discussion going throughout the Tulsa community.

“We don't want the civil unrest,” Caddy said. “We want to be able to say we are a reflection of what's going on in our city. We don't want things to happen in our city that do not reflect the people who actually live here.”