Locals unite to fight racism

LYNN ? Perhaps Marcus Garraud of St. Stephen’s Church expressed his feelings on the subject of racial tensions between the people in the community and police most succinctly.”The criminal justice system,” he says, “isn’t a fan of people like me, or who look like me.”The comment came as part of a discussion Tuesday at the Bethel AME Church on Silsbee Street, where the focus was on the recent tensions directed toward police that have escalated in the last month, culminating with the shooting of two Brooklyn, N.Y., officers Saturday. Attendees discussed their experiences with racism from being a victim of it to witnessing it.Religious figures from the city were present at the event such as Rev. Eric Nelson of Washington Street Baptist, Rev. Sarah Van Gulden of St. Stephens Episcopal, Father Brian Flynn of St. Mary’s/Sacred Heart and many other members of the clergy. Also present were members from these churches’ congregations.”We need to come together and wage a spiritual fight on racism not just on African-Americans and minorities but everyone who faces it,” said Rev. Viola Morris-Buchanan of Bethel AME, summarizing the “Response to Ferguson” event.After informing the individuals who were in attendance on the basics she called for some churchgoers to address the audience on their personal experiences with dealing with racism. Garraud said he wants to become a police officer so he can become part of the solution.”I want to become a police officer,” he said, “so I can get the people to work with the system and the system to work with the people.”The common thread that the attendees wanted accomplished was to get a better justice system, to have more of a community-based police department and reduce what they say is racial profiling and intimidation from the police officers.