The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Racial justice week planned
Mentor-on-the-Lake man organizes event, including march, with help of local officials
After attending a Cleveland rally seeking justice in the wake of George Floyd’s death last month, Mentor-on-the-Lake resident Brandon Towns was inspired to do more.
“I reached out to elected officials and police chiefs in both Mentor and Mentor-on-the-Lake to inquire about how both cities were being culturally responsive and competent,” Towns said. “Together, we organized the unprecedented Mentor Racial Justice Week for July 6 through 11.” The week will include:
• Chopping it up with a Cop — 7 p.m., July 6, at the community room in Mentor Civic Arena, 8600 Munson Road. An essential conversation between law enforcement and community members to discuss the roles of police agencies, best practice for interactions, concerns of the community and general question-and-answer session.
• Join the Conversation — 7 p.m., July 8 at Mentor Beach Park, 7779 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor-on-the-Lake.
“Constructive dialogue can build bridges instead of divisions.”
— Mentor City Manager Ken Filipiak
A safe space to discuss race, racism, privilege and what it means to promote racial justice in the community.
• Book Club — 7 p.m., July 9 at Old Council Hall, 7250 Jackson St., Mentor. A guided dialogue on Anthony Greenwalk and Mahzarin Banaji’s “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People.”
• Unarmed-Stay Alive Silent March — 6 p.m., July 10, starting at Veterans Memorial Park, 5730 Hopkins Road, Mentor. Participants are encouraged to bring a racial justice sign and march in silent solidarity to Civic Center Amphitheater to protest social injustice across the nation.
• Reflect and Commit — 8 p.m., July 11, Facebook. Reflect on the various events of the week and share one thing you will do to work for racial justice using your preferred artistic style. At 8 p.m., creations will be uploaded to the Racial Justice Week Facebook group page.
Towns, a 31-year-old Cleveland Metropolitan Schools assistant principal, collaborated with some community members as well as public officials on the effort.
“Both Mentor and Mentor-on-theLake police departments will be presenting on Monday (July 6),” he said.
Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor David Eva said he plans on attending some of the events and is among those speaking at the march.
He met with Towns along with Police Chief John Gielink and two officers.
“We reviewed our policies and procedures with Brandon and he seemed very happy with the way we handle policing in Mentor-on-the-Lake,” Eva said.
Both his staff and Mentor’s have published their department’s stance against bias-based profiling. Mentor’s website includes a page entitled “Mentor Stands Together,” to express its views.
“This is not a city-organized event, but we recognize the importance of hearing the point of view of all those who live and visit our community,”
Mentor City Manager Ken Filipiak said. “Constructive dialog can build bridges instead of divisions.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/mentorrjw.