The Cincinnati EnquirerCity workers differ on root of race/police woesBy Randy Tucker, October 5, 2001Longtime Cincinnati resident and health department inspector Lowery Clark says he's reluctant to go out at night because he's afraid he might be stopped by police because he is black.Bob Campbell, who also works for the city and is white, says that since the April riots, he spends most of his free time close to his Warren County home, preferring to avoid the city when he can. Both men agree that poor police-community relations are at the root of their fears. Mr. Clark puts the onus on the police. Mr. Campbell blames those responsible for the civil disturbances. "I just don't find myself out at night because I know I'm subject to be targeted" by police, Mr. Clark said. "I've been stopped before, and I wasn't doing anything wrong." Said Mr. Campbell: "I guess my fear is not the same. My fear is on the other side." The two men were among about 80 city workers who shared their views in small groups Thursday night at Cincinnati Water Works. It was the fourth in a series of feedback sessions conducted by Aria Group, a Yellow Springs-based conflict resolution firm. Those attending were among more than 120 city employees who were asked to complete a questionnaire about how to improve police-community relations. City employees are one of the eight "identity" groups the firm wants to get ideas from. Three sessions have already been held - for religious and social service leaders, youth and African-Americans. The groups left: white residents, other minorities, police, and foundation and business leaders. In December, all of the survey information and prioritized goals will become part of a settlement to be presented to a federal judge. It is part of the effort to end a lawsuit filed against the city in March by the Cincinnati Black United Front and the American Civil Liberties Union. The legal action alleges decades of discrimination against blacks. Most of the city workers participating in Thursday's session agreed on what they hoped the outcome would be: safer streets and an improved image for Cincinnati. Said Edna Rawlings: ""I want to be proud to say I'm from Cincinnati again." top Back next |