Is Grand Rapids the Next Ferguson?

Since the deaths of Eric Garner in New York City and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, questions about the relationship between police and citizens have been front and center in the American consciousness. This forum will bring together community groups and public officials to discuss the root causes of recent protests in Ferguson, New York, Baltimore and other American cities in relation to our city of Grand Rapids.

Co-sponsors include the GR Community Media Center, Wealthy Theatre, Grand Rapids Urban League, LINC Community Revitalization Inc., and the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.

The panel discussion will be moderated by ACLU of Michigan Racial Justice Attorney, Mark Fancher. Distinguished panelists include:

David M. Rahinsky, Grand Rapids Chief of Police

Patrick Miles, Jr.,U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

Rev. Jerry Bishop, Founder and Pastor of LIFEQUEST, a ministry for urban young men

Darel Ross II, Co-Executive Director of LINC Community Revitalization Inc.