Since mid-summer, 70 citizens in Lexington have been serving on the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice and Equality. Friday the final report with 54 recommendations was released.
Calling it incredible dedication to the task, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton officially received the 68 page report. Five subcommittees submitted recommendations in areas like healthcare, courts, housing, and policing. Gorton said there’s work to do to engage the entire Lexington community. “This is not just about someone who has a complaint or a situation. This is about all of us. And that is, I believe the way we will get to a better place for our community,” said Gorton.
Almost half of the recommendations came from the law enforcement, justice, and accountability panel. April Taylor led downtown protests this summer regarding policing concerns. She was pleased to see a recommendation for civilian participation at the investigative stage in the police disciplinary process. “Having civilians involved in the investigatory phase means that more evidence is uncovered, so that appropriate discipline is recommended. You can’t cover up evidence that’s been uncovered,” said Taylor.
Both co-chairs of the Commission, Rozalyn Akins and Dr. Gerald Smith said they prayed about it before taking on the responsibility of heading up the commission. Akins said the report contains concrete suggestions. “These are very much feasible actions. This is not a wish list,” explained Akins.
Gerald Smith said the report should not be taken as an ending, but a beginning. “We believe that this mayor is going to do something…..that’s right,” said Smith.
Mayor Gorton added some changes can be made administratively, others through council action, and she admitted some will require funding. The mayor noted her first step will be to see the Commission on Racial Justice and Equality become a permanent commission.
Click here to read the entire report.
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