On Weds. Sept. 29, 2021, Daryl Thornton, former FBI special agent paired up with Sonoma State University’s chief of police Nader Oweis, in the first campus oriented event, Conversations with Black and Brown in Blue. Thornton is the chief administrative officer for the St. John Church of Grand Prairie & Southlake Texas, he was the first black man to serve as a class president in the FBI academy and he has held various positions throughout the country including management experience at BELO and the Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport, and served as a field officer for over a decade. With such a varied background, the focus of the lecture series was to provide students a chance to not only speak up in conversations about police, but to also attempt to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the rest of our communities so we can create a more inclusive community down the road.

 It is the job of the police to protect and serve the people of their communities and jurisdictions regardless of what political orientation, race or religion of the individual or community. Over the last year and a half, police have been highlighted throughout the media for the fear they have caused within their communities and for negligent acts resulting in unnecessary bodily harm and even death specifically towards people of color. With the rise of police footage and accessibility to cameras, it has become more clear that not all police officers are fitted to protect and serve their communities and that it is time for changes to be made throughout the system. As members of the black and brown community and as a former officer, both Daryl Thornton and Nadar Oweis were able to speak on behalf of the two sides of the issue. 

When it comes to creating serious change to any multi-sided issue, it is most important that people show up to have their voices heard or else their opinions will not be represented. Something repeated multiple times throughout the lecture was, “if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” In the policing conflicts mentioned by Daryl, the differences that kept both groups safe were the personal connections made between the groups prior to the conflict and prior to any laws being known to be broken. In multiple scenarios between the police crew and those finding themselves in trouble, the difference between life and death had been because of the previously established relationships. By becoming more integrated and involved within the community, it is easier for the goals and aspirations of the people to be clear, understood and accomplished. By creating more personal connections with those around you, people will begin to build up a representation of what makes that community. In return, that community will be better fit to loosely govern itself, and decide what actions are accepted within said community. That said, there is no more important time to become a part of the conversation. 

Police reformation is not something that can happen overnight, it will take time, hard work and a ton of effort to make serious changes. Defunding the police is not an option because criminals who would otherwise be arrested by police would be left to become active members of their communities. At the end of the day, change will occur when the people from the top make changes, and work to recreate guidelines and expectations. In this particular case, the imbalance between the people in power and civilians is what causes fear in the first place, and is why it is so important for the average person to have their demands heard. As students and community members to our local ordinances, Seawolves have an important role as members of society. As citizens and taxpayers of this country, we pay the salaries and provide for the civil services that make up our country, which means we have the obligation to get involved and make the differences we want to see. 

The next opportunity to be a part of the Conversation with Black and Brown in Blue will be held Oct. 20, as well as 3 additional events, all with different guests that will happen throughout the semester. To get yourselves off the “menu”, and to take part in making a difference, all voices of the community need to make themselves heard and understood. For more information and to join meetings virtually, visit bit.ly/bbbfall.