Two of the most significant elements of Democracy are the voices of its citizens and an ability to change. American history chronicles the quest that is the continuous effort to perfect our democracy and to better the lives of all of our citizens. Time after time, our state and nation are faced with events that require us to prove our commitment to democracy and those central tenets. Time after time, our citizenry and those charged with representing the voices the American citizenry step up to the plate and pursue the cause of democracy and ensures that the noble American promise of equality extends to each and every individual. As such, when a community speaks up – as communities across the nation have been doing – it is critical that we take heed to their chants, their cries, their demands. It is critical that we allow the voices of communities to inform our pursuit for a better New York, for a better nation.
The death of Mike Brown and the subsequent protests have spurred numerous conversations that has now escaped the confines of the small town of Ferguson, Missouri and one that has particular relevance for all New Yorkers. The events in Ferguson have ignited an essential conversation and a moment of opportunity for the betterment of the relationship between a community and those charged with serving and protecting the community. The death of Mike Brown was a tragedy; a young man unable to finish out the promise of his youth. That his death came at the hands of a police officer adds a particular significance to his death for members of the African-American community who have had to contend with the early death of young men and women in their communities due to actions taken by police officers. What we can’t allow to take root in our communities, is the seizure of trust between law enforcement of communities of color and the flourishing suspicion. In the wake of Ferguson, I call for the need to continue the efforts of bettering the relationship between community members and law enforcement, namely the NYPD.
With Ferguson in mind, we must begin the healing process here in our own communities. The healing process begins with the acknowledgement of the inherent worth of each side’s stance. Dialogue is an indispensable tool for community improvement, one that will have untold benefits. We must take seriously the voices of the community and we must take seriously the voices of our law enforcement officials. A valuable relationship between law enforcement officials and community members – one that will hopefully prevent future tragedies – is one built on trust and respect from and for both parties. At this critical juncture, we must acutely address the concerns hailing from community members and law enforcement and reaffirm that community stability comes from synchronization between all members of the community.
Rodneyse Bichotte is a proud first generation Brooklynite of Haitian parentage. Bichotte serves as District Leader and seeks to represent the 42nd Assembly District, the largest Haitian populated district in New York State, which includes the communities of Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood.
