BLM B/N Challenges Substation Plan; 'Accountability Meeting' Thursday

Colleen Reynolds

WGLT

The group Black Lives Matter Bloomington-Normal asked its members this weekend to call Bloomington aldermen this weekend to delay a vote on whether to open a police substation on West Jefferson Street. BLM leaders say the community has not been properly engaged and there is no consensus that a substation would be welcome.  They want to delay a vote for more conversation but initially view the substation as an increased police presence that, "violates any commitment to community policing, " according to a release issued late Friday afternoon.

"Many in west Bloomington are concerned there is a disproportionate police presence in their neighborhood." The group acknowledges, "While some community organizations have been part of this effort, many in the community are just finding out about this for the first time."  The house is owned by Mid-Central Community Action which provides a variety of social services, including affordable housing for single adults.

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner said earlier this week the substation would improve community relations and safety. "(It) will reduce officers' response time, increase police visibility, and provide officers the opportunity to meet and collaborate with community members," he said.  Heffner is under fire for what some members of the local chapter say is a lack of efforts to include all residents in the decision-making process regarding how their neighborhoods are protected.

Black Lives Matter Bloomington-Normal is hosting what it's calling "A Community Accountability Meeting" it requested with Chief Heffner scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church at 801 W. Market.  The meeting is open to the public.

MCCA Plans Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Bloomington's Mid Central Community Action Inc. (MCCA) plans a variety of activities and events around the them “Stand Up With Me!,” which speaks to the call those who experience domestic violence issue to those around them. 

Throughout October, MCCA will be working to connect with individuals in our community and increasing their awareness of this issue.

Coming up:

Sept. 28 - Oct. 25: Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge. This fundraiser begins before the “official” launch of the campaign.

Oct. 3 - 6-7:30 p.m. - Private candlelight vigil for survivors and their families.

Oct. 8 –7:30 a.m.-noon - Domestic Violence Awareness event at Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market, promoting awareness events and the Purple Purse Challenge.

Oct. 21 – 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. - “Stuff The Shelter,” at the rear parking lot of MCCA, 1301 West Washington Street. This event is focused on collecting in-kind donations of items needed for Neville House. A forthcoming flyer will outline items needed.

Oct. 23 – “Stand Up in Victory” - Asking faith communities to take a moment to recognize the issue of domestic violence during their Sunday morning service to raise awareness.

Oct. 26 – An Evening of Experience, Reflection and Action - An open event where members of the inter-faith community are invited to participate in the “In Her Shoes” Domestic violence simulation. After the simulation, there will be a time of reflection and a call to action with the signing of the Stand Up With Me Pledge. Location and time will be announced later.