Wanted: New Blood in the BPD

The Bloomington Police Department is hiring. In a recent interview on WTVP-PBS' At Issue, representatives of Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal urged young Twin Citians to explore a career in law enforcement as one strategy for fostering diversity within the force and thus improving police-community rapport.

Here are the requirements:


Application Process
1. Complete Employment Application a( high school diploma or its equivalent is required)
2. Written Examination (next new hire test March 2015)
3. Physical Agility Test...
4. Background Investigation
5. Oral Interview
6. Polygraph Examination
7. Medical/Psychological Examination

Physical Agility Task Standard
- 1.5 Mile Run (min/sec) 14:45
- 300 Meter Run (sec) 63.00
- 1 RM Bench Press (ratio) .80
- Maximum Push Ups (#) 25
- 1 Minute Sit Ups (#) 35
- Vertical Jump (inches) 18

For details, visit http://www.cityblm.org/police. And plan on attending tomorrow's Breaking Barriers community-police dialogue, at 6 p.m. at Bloomington's City of Refuge Church.
 

Gender and Needs Part 1: Health Care Providers Eye LGBT Issues

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients experience barriers to health care that include fear of discrimination, as well as insensitivity and lack of knowledge about LGBT-specific health needs among providers, according to new study by a recent Illinois Wesleyan University student and her Illinois colleagues.

The study, published in the Journal of Nursing Education, examined the effectiveness of educational strategies designed to improve knowledge and attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students regarding LGBT patient care.

Education focused on key terminology, health disparities, medical needs of transgender patients, and culturally sensitive communication skills for competent LGBT patient care. Individual knowledge levels and attitudes were evaluated before and after the "intervention," using a survey based on a modified "Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale" and two assessment tools developed for this study.

A statistically significant increase in positive attitudes and knowledge levels was found immediately after the intervention. Findings from the study -- co-authored by Carle Foundation Hospital Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit nurse Kristy Strong -- support the inclusion of education related to LGBT patient health care in undergraduate nursing curricula, to promote "cultural competence and sensitivity."

At the time the article was written, Strong was an IWU student. She collaborated with Victoria Folse, director and with Wesleyan's School of Nursing.

A number of U.S. hospitals have tailored programs for LGBT patients and their families, focusing on special concerns such as potential substance use, parenting issues, and domestic and homophobic violence, as well as specialized medical care programs for lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals.

David: Addressing Bullying is Elementary; Prevention Often Begins At Home

Bloomington Oakland Elementary School Principal David LaFrance, a former Bloomington High School assistant principal, stresses "you see bullying all the way from the elementary school age to the high school age." All District 87 schools are "proactive" in raising awareness of bullying issues and prevention, via "positive behavior intervention systems, LaFrance said.

"Character education," focusing on appropriate behaviors, is an important part of the district's weekly curricula.

"Daily, we try to set incentives for kids who are doing the correct things to others and for others," LaFrance notes. At Oakland Elementary, students can earn "hoots" -- credits for positive actions that contribute to a better school environment -- that can be redeemed for special prizes or recognition or tickets toward a larger eventual reward.

But it can't end there, LaFrance emphasized. As adults, teachers, staff, and administrators must understand "how important it is how we treat each other." It's a message school officials are working to send home, where personal attitudes, prejudices, and behaviors are formed.

"Everything we do, we're modeling for the kids, we're modeling for other adults," LaFrance said. "It's not always when somebody's watching that we have to do the right thing."

Listen below to LaFrance's further thoughts on bullying prevention and how the dinner table is as important to that effort as classroom incentives.

Renner at MLK Awards Luncheon: Police Remark 'Not Who We Are'

As more than 600 attendees lunched and ruminated on the spirit and philosophy of one of the U.S.' preeminent civil rights leaders, Mayor Tari Renner acknowledged and apologized for a 2013 racial remark by a BPD policeman that came to light in a recent court proceeding.

Uploaded by Martin Ross on 2015-01-19.

At the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Luncheon program Saturday at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center, Renner said the comment, which earned the officer an official reprimand by new Police Chief Brendan Heffner, "is not who we are."

"It's not the community I want us to be in the 21st century," The mayor said (see accompanying video by Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal's Darlene Miller).

"It is just unacceptable behavior. I'm very sorry for that," Renner said. "Let's work together. I need your ideas. We need your creativity in the future. I look forward to working with all of you to make Bloomington-Normal a better community and embrace our diversity."

Keynote speaker was AME Church Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie of Texas, who told the luncheon's sold-out crowd "the recent events this year have shaken America out of our fantasyland of a post-racial society." Recent police shootings and subsequent public protests have "exposed the underbelly of hatred and fear and elicits biases that still exist," the AME's first elected female bishop said.

"We must find a nonviolent way to give voice to the rage simmering just below the surface," Murphy McKenzie maintained.

"We need more people with uncommon courage to work toward a solution to the problems that face us in our communities ... and find a way to speak with one voice. We must work hard to find a common ground."

Community groups including NIOT:BN and local police agencies hope to identify that common ground during Breaking Barriers, a police-community discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at City of Refuge Church, Bloomington.

A new lifetime achievement award was given posthumously to local labor leader David Penn.

Award-winner Stokes is a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club, is active in Mount Pisgah Baptist Church and is a long-time member of the Orthodox Woodriver District Baptist Association. She is first vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP and is past president of the Bloomington-Normal alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Jones has coordinated the Bloomington-Normal Cultural Festival; spearheaded the creation of an entrepreneur showcase to inform the community of minority businesses; and created a monthly fundraising event with proceeds going to different community organizations.

Ajayi attends Normal Community High School; Smith is a student at Normal Community West High School. She was cited for her leadership of the school's Culture Club and her church; she has worked for a Not In Our School campaign. 

Smith was cited for her school and extracurricular activities and her broad support of inclusiveness. She will be salutatorian for the Class of 2015.

Katherine: MLK Inspired 'A Clear Vision'

Katherine Warren

Perter Yarrow,Paul (Noel) Stookey and Mary Travers sing "Blowing in The Wind" at the 1963 march on Washington . Before or after Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech.

I have always been very inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and the vision Martin Luther King, Jr. had for this nation. I remember being in 5th grade. I spent days and nights memorizing the I Have A Dream Speech which I recited at an assembly. Then I met Peter Yarrow (of the '60s folk/rock trio Peter, Paul, and Mary), who told me he marched with MLK Jr. And I found that to be the most honorable action ever.

To see how far we have come and where we are now, I have hope for the future. That people are recognized as human and equality is just given, not granted. That as a whole nation we humble ourselves to have a full heart and a clear vision. That one day we stand tall, proud, and hand in hand to serve each other. May the dream MLK had continue to be lived out today, tomorrow, and for as long as any legacy should last... Forever.

Peter Yarrow, right, with singer Bob Dylan, center, during a 1963 civil rights march on Washington. Above, left, Yarrow remembers the '63 march and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s participation.

Peter Yarrow, right, with singer Bob Dylan, center, during a 1963 civil rights march on Washington. Above, left, Yarrow remembers the '63 march and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s participation.

Bloomington's Katherine Warren is a student at Indiana State University working toward a Masters in Student Affairs and Higher Education. She is a graduate assistant for AmeriCorps and Programming for Indiana State's Center for Community Engagement.

Editorial: Police-Community Meeting a Chance to Move Ahead

The Pantagraph

It is not easy to have a well-reasoned discussion on the topic of race.

But that's exactly what we expect will happen Jan. 22 in downtown Bloomington, when the public is invited to meet with representatives of 11 groups in a community-police discussion about race, race relations and racism.

The Twin Cities' Not In Our Town anti-racism group was re-energizing last summer just as Ferguson, Mo., erupted after a white police officer shot a black man. As NIOT discussions continued, the nation watched police-involved deaths take place in Ohio and New York.

And a week ago, just as NIOT and 10 other groups announced their event, a recording of a Bloomington police officer's racial comments from a 2013 incident were played at a trial, leaving little doubt as to the officer's feelings.

Non-discrimination is a belief system that must be practiced by everyone for it to be successful and for it to spread beyond our municipal borders.

It was just last month when NIOT started a pledge drive, asking community members to sign a card agreeing to fight hatred and discrimination in the Twin Cities.

As we said then, true change starts at the grassroots level. And that includes respectful, open, truthful conversation about what works, what doesn't, and why.

The success of a local discussion on race will not be immediate; to start, we must look each other in the eye, speak and harbor respectful thoughts, agree on the problems and try to fix them.

As with any discussion on a difficult topic, there could be finger-pointing and blame. It must be accepted, at the outset, that hurtful words may be said. But once the air clears, the community must agree to work together to pinpoint issues and find ways to address them.

Part of that dialogue could be learning about police policies and training. Equally important is hearing from those who feel judged because of their color, age, employment, religion or background.

Without that information, we run the risk of staying "mind blind" — that is, limiting our responses based on individual beliefs rather than from shared knowledge.

Willfully neglecting to learn about our differences and appreciate our similarities is childish. We must learn about one another to better understand one another. That can lead to a better community.

Our community must step up to step forward.

("Breaking Barriers" will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at City of Refuge Church, 401 E. Jefferson St., Bloomington. The Rev. Lee Bennett will moderate. Conexiones Latinas will provide Spanish translation. Questions should be submitted in advance and can be done anonymously at http://bit.ly/1wMTMAa or by postal mail to NAACP, PO Box 925, Normal, IL 61761.)

1966: Dr. King Comes to Campus

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Illinois Wesleyan University's Fred Young Fieldhouse on Feb. 10, 1966. Here are his remarks, as recorded by WJBC.

WJBC News Director Don Newberg interviews King during his earlier 1961 visit to Illinois Wesleyan University. (WJBC archives)

WJBC News Director Don Newberg interviews King during his earlier 1961 visit to Illinois Wesleyan University. (WJBC archives)

"President Bertholf and members of the faculty and members of the student body of this great institution of learning, ladies and gentlemen.  I need not pause to say how very delighted and honored I am to have the privilege of coming once more to the campus of Illinois Wesleyan and the privilege of sharing with you in your lecture series.  And I certainly want to express my appreciation to you for extending the invitation.  I must apologize for being a little late getting here this evening, it so happened that we had a very important meeting in Chicago.  And it was raining a little when we left Chicago and we were moving from the meeting where I had to speak, to get to the airport and my assistant, the Reverend Bernard Lee who is here, was driving us along and I noticed the car skipping around a bit in the midst of this rather slippery pavement.  I had to say to Bernard to slow up a little bit.  And I followed that up by saying that I would rather be Martin Luther King late than the late Martin Luther King.

But we are here and delighted to be here as your distinguished President has said, we are happy to be accompanied by Mrs. King, whom you have already met, and also by my dearest friend and close associate and perennial jail mate, the Reverend Dr. Ralph David Abernathy and his wife, to my left.  You may stand.

There is a desperate and innocent poignant question on the lips of hundreds and thousands, yea millions of people all over our nation and all over the world.  I get it a great deal as I journey around the country and other places and I am sure this question is on the lips of many here tonight.  It is the question, are we really making any progress in race relations?  I think that there are basically three answers that can be given to this question.  One is the answer of extreme optimism.  Now the extreme optimist would say in substance that we are making marvelous strides in race relations.  They would point joyously to the marvelous developments that have taken place over the last few decades in terms of legislative advances.  And from this they would conclude that the problem is just about solved now and that we can sit down comfortably on the wayside and wait on the coming of the inevitable.  The second position that can be taken is that of extreme pessimism.  The extreme pessimist would say that we have made only minor strides in race relations.  They would contend that the deep rumblings of discontent that we hear over the nation, the resurgence of the Klu Klux Klan in some sections of the South and other sections of the North, and the rebirth of white citizens councils, all indicative of the fact that we have created many more problems than we have solved.  And from this they would go on to argue that there can really be no real progress in race relations.  And it is very interesting to notice that the extreme optimist and the extreme pessimist agree on at least one point.  And that is that we can sit down and do nothing in this all-important area.  The extreme optimist says do nothing because integration is inevitable.  The extreme pessimist says do nothing because integration is impossible.  But there is a third position that can be taken, namely the realistic position.  The realist in race relations trying to answer the question of progress would seek to combine the trues of two opposites, while avoiding the extremes of both.  And so the realist would agree with the optimist that we have come a long, long way, but he would seek to balance that by agreeing with the pessimist in that we have a long, long way to go.  And it is this realistic position that I would like to take as a basis for our thinking together this evening as we deal with the question of progress in race relations, and as we deal with the whole question of the future of integration.  We have come a long, long way, but we have a long, long way to go before the problem is solved."

Martin: Ms. Pate and Dr. King

Martin Ross

Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal

I was a wobblingly uncertain eighth grader wandering warily and dazed through the social revolution and evolution of the early '70s when I met LaRosa Pate and, under her tutelage, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In the Sarah Scott Junior High class catalogue, Ms. Pate was assigned the task of sharpening our command of the language, educating the apathetic and uninitiated on American letters. But you got a special bonus package in LaRosa Pate's eighth-grade English -- she was an uber-serious, occasionally dry-witted, and sternly kind twentysomething African-American who sought to use her teacher's pulpit to shape wet clay like us into solid, safe, thoughtful citizens. Her fifth-hour class was a quirky mélange of textbook lit, drug education (Ms. Pate would have none of the era's new permissiveness), and that then-hidden corner of public school knowledge known as "Afro-American" history.

LaRose Pate introduced me to Dr. King one afternoon in the stacks of the Sarah Scott library, where my buddies and I had decided to squander our study hour with some fairly innocent but audible horseplay. Ms. Pate gently admonished me for my momentary lapse in judgment and dignity, suggesting I had much to live up to -- i.e., another Martin, a man I remembered vaguely as having died a tragic death a few years back. A man, not young, not old even by my adolescent barometer, whose name was murmured in some quarters with reverence, in others with contempt. As Ms. Pate went on, I transitioned from embarrassment to something else. This was a man who sought all men to be equal, who valued character above human superficialities.

It now may seem unfair, almost ludicrous, offering this giant of a man up as a 14-year-old's ethical yardstick, based on the mere commonality of a Christian name. But dreams are often bigger when you're young, and somehow, amidst the cruelty and anything's-possible hope of junior high, Dr. King's Dream imprinted in some corner of my white, semi-formed teen psyche.

Indeed, Ms. Pate had made her indelible mark on me. I recall my exhaustive (and for my folks, exhausting) hunt for all things peanut-based as part of a definitive "English" presentation on the legacy of African-American botanist/inventor George Washington Carver (1864-1943). Linoleum from peanuts, who'd have thought? I remember Mom dutifully venturing to a place she likely otherwise never would have ventured -- Charles T. Hyte Community Center, the social center of Terre Haute's African-American community -- to secure an autograph from Louis Russell, then the world's longest-living black heart transplant recipient. It would serve as the cherry atop a carefully scripted and bound report for Ms. Pate's perusal.

And, I like to think, I began with that gentle scolding in the Sarah Scott library to understand the character that lies potentially under all human skin. That's why, when I sought a quote to accompany the above Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal ad that will appear in Monday's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Gospel Festival program booklet, I bypassed some of the man's more oft-quoted pearls for a piece of fundamental wisdom that pays ample tribute to Ms. Pate, Dr. King, and all those willing to teach those willing to listen.

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."

Citizen Summit Brings Together Grassroots Interests

A diverse panel will explore cultural, economic, and strategic concerns during the City of Bloomington’s annual “Citizen Summit,” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

 Since 2009, the summit, described as "a focused budget discussion" open to the public, has helped Bloomington’s mayor and City Council pinpoint grassroots needs and issues for the year ahead. Willie Holton Halbert, a Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal leader who has been asked by Ward 3 Alderman Mboka Mwilambwe to provide input at the summit, sees the potential to improve the community by identifying priorities for the city's diverse populations and neighborhoods.

 "I believe we have an obligation to allow our system to work when an injustice has been done but if the people within the system appears to have failed us, we must actively get involved to help bring about a positive change in our system for the community and nation for which we live,” Holton maintained.

 “We can do this by the power of our pens, sharing our thoughts in a constructive manner, being informed and taking a stand with a plan. It starts with one person, one group/organization, and/or one community and it is amazing how it becomes contiguous."

 Check out past summit comments and findings at  http://www.cityblm.org/index.aspx?page=428.

 

Mike: Overcoming Mind Blindness

Mike Matejka

WJBC Forum

This is Mike Matejka. The recent trial revelation of a racist remark by a Bloomington Police officer, shows again how volatile racial issues. Despite a 1960s Civil Rights movement and the election of a mixed race President, Americans still split over racial divides, often over economic and police issues.

 As a person of European descent, I really cannot truly know the experience of my African-American, Latino, or Asian neighbors.  Personally, I have been in Asia and Africa where I was the only white person on the street, but only once was I treated disrespectfully.

Many of my African-American and Latino friends talk about having to assume a public face daily, knowing that their actions and words will not only be perceived as theirs, but somehow will reflect positively or negatively on their ethnic groups. 

My daughter uses an interesting term when she misses a cue or does not perceive something. She says she was “mind blind” to that situation. As a white person in America, I often wonder how mind blind I am to challenges and perceptions that others face. I assume certain responses from store clerks, job interviewers, or law enforcement, but would those responses be different if my skin color was? And do I have my own “mind blindness” toward racial or ethnic prejudices that are buried within me?

People who attend Alcoholics Anonymous start the meeting with self-disclosure. “Hi, my name is Mike and I am an alcoholic.” I sometimes wonder if I should start each day with a look in the mirror and say, “Hi, my name is Mike and I was raised in a racist society,” doing this not to feel guilty, but to remind myself that I need to be conscious of my society and its presumptions.

We all have our own perspectives and our own “mind-blindness” to others. Listening carefully to others is key, but also understanding past histories of discrimination and how those negative attitudes still linger is also important. Only in reaching out to others and reflecting on our own presumptions can we hope to bridge these divisions. 

Marc Making Fosters Artistic Skills of Differently Abled

Culture, arts, and even prejudice transcend racial, religious, or ethnic lines. The developmentally disabled also face challenges, obstacles, and ignorance, but an upcoming Bloomington exhibition will help differently abled artists make their cultural mark on the Twin Cities.

The Marc Making exhibition at the Jan Brandt Gallery, 1106 East Bell St., opens with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. January 24. Proceeds from the exhibition will benefit artists with developmental disabilities.

Marcfirst was started in 1955 by a group of families of children with disabilities in order to provide support to each other and to their children during a period in American history when children with disabilities were often excluded from the public school system. On November 18, 1955, the original non-profit corporation was incorporated as the McLean County Association for Mentally Retarded Children, which was later changed to Marc Center in 1980 and to Marcfirst in 2007.

Marcfirst has created Marc Making to offer a creative self-employment opportunity to artists making work with developmental disabilities. Marc Making 'goes beyond making great artwork as a means of self-expression by giving artists the additional support to explore ways to be involved in our local fine arts community and to generate income from their work."

The Jan Brandt Gallery

The Jan Brandt Gallery

According to Marcfirst, "it has been shown that participating in art activities increases an individual's self-esteem by allowing for expression, peer recognition, and creative thinking. It also offers additional occupational, cognitive and emotional goals to a wide range of skill sets and disabilities. The Marc Making program encourages individuals with disabilities to create and learn about art while learning how to run a business."

Proceeds from purchased artworks go directly to artists with developmental disabilities and the Marc Making program. The program also can use pre-stretched canvases, drawing pads, drawing paper, acrylic paint, brushes, pencils, pens, and most other art supplies. Any instructional books or videos demonstrating techniques also are useful.

Also crucial are individuals affiliated with an accessible art studio, gallery, university program, or museum that can invite artists to tour and learn more about the business side of being a self-employed artist. Art students or professional artists can donate a few hours to teach prospective artists.

Initial funding for the program was made possible from the Bloomington Normal Daybreak Rotary.

For information, call (309) 451-8888 or (309) 451-8888, ext.258.

Officer Reprimanded; Heffner 'Deeply Saddened' By Remark

Kevin Barlow

THE PANTAGRAPH

Bloomington Police Department will join with other local law enforcement agencies for a Breaking Barriers community-police dialogue from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Bloomington's City of Refuge Church, 401 East Jefferson. The event is open to the public.

Bloomington Police Department will join with other local law enforcement agencies for a Breaking Barriers community-police dialogue from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Bloomington's City of Refuge Church, 401 East Jefferson. The event is open to the public.

A Bloomington police sergeant received a written reprimand in 2013 after he was recorded on an in-car police camera saying he hoped a black stabbing victim "bleeds to death."

According to a document obtained Wednesday by The Pantagraph through a Freedom of Information Act request, Edward Shumaker received the reprimand following a Sept. 4, 2013, meeting with R.T. Finney, who was then interim police chief, and Assistant Police Chief Clay Wheeler.

The comment was made during a conversation with officer Stephen Statz about 2:05 a.m. on June 30, 2013, after police responded to a fight inside the Denny's Restaurant at 701 S. Eldorado Road in Bloomington.

The video and recording were made public last week during the trial of Gabriella Calhoun, who was charged with hitting a police officer inside the restaurant. Calhoun was acquitted.

The written reprimand came as a result of conduct unbecoming of an officer, according to the record of disciplinary action.

The reprimand was signed by Finney and Shumaker and included a summary of corrective action: "Employee should be very aware of his surroundings and situational awareness while not allowing the stressor of an event to cause a comment that would be considered inappropriate."

Current Police Chief Brendan Heffner said Wednesday police officials are "disturbed and deeply saddened that one of our officers made such comments," but take a variety of factors into consideration when determining disciplinary action.

"There had not been a pattern of this type of behavior and that is a factor when we are considering discipline and there have not been any issues since," he said. "We have all learned from this, but I have spoken with every shift and reminded our officers that whether they are being recorded or not, these comments are inappropriate and not acceptable."

After learning of the reprimand Wednesday, Mayor Tari Renner said, "This is deeply disturbing to me as a mayor and a citizen. This is not the Bloomington that I want for the future as mayor. We are better than this."

Renner said he is pleased the records were released, adding he has talked with the City Council, adding aldermen should consider a review of the consequences officers should face for racial remarks.

City Manager David Hales said he was troubled and upset that a Bloomington police officer made the comments.

"Such comments are unacceptable anywhere in our organization and not indicative of the city’s values," he said. "Chief Heffner has made great strides in training his officers and further developing a culture that accepts and celebrates diversity, and I look forward to continuing work with him on these efforts."

Heffner said the department will continue to work with civic leaders and organizations to improve relations with the community.

"I want our citizens to know we are working together and always there to serve and protect them," he said.

ISU Conference to Focus on Social Justice, Identity

The Power of One: Awareness, Change, Responsibility Social Justice Institute is a free one-day conference for ISU students, faculty, and staff. The conference is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. January 31 in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.

This event will provide participants with an opportunity "to explore the identities that make up who they are and help them gain a better understanding of how these identities impact everything they do." Nationally recognized consultants Sam Offer and Monica Collins will coordinate activities. Offer is a senior consultant with the Washington Consulting Group, a multicultural organizational development firm based in Baltimore. Collins works in the Women and Gender Advocacy Center at Colorado State University as the assistant director for prevention and education programs and victim advocate, and teaches courses on violence prevention, gender socialization, and race/ethnicity in popular media.

Through facilitated activities and exercises along with small group dialogue, participants in the ISU conference will engage in conversations that will "challenge and support them in their journey toward understanding how they can individually impact our global community."  Breakfast and lunch will be provided for participants.

Apply online by January 23 at www.deanofstudents.illinoisState.edu.

The event is sponsored by Diversity Advocacy, which works to foster civility and raise cultural awareness among students, faculty, and staff. Diversity Advocacy helps multicultural and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students find their way at Illinois State University through a variety of resources, programs, activities and advising.

It also works to facilitate a supportive campus environment in which multicultural and LGBT students "can flourish academically and socially."   

Camille: Engage, Exchange, and Change

Camille Taylor

WJBC Forum

I read several articles on police community relations to prepare for this forum. Unfortunately, last Friday’s Pantagraph story was in error when it reported that public disclosure of a tape related to the Gabriella Calhoun case prompted several organizations to have a Police-Community Dialogue on January 22 at the City of Refuge Church.

In fact, the Not In Our Town Community Engagement Committee had already been planning the event for about two months. Nonetheless, everything I read supported the steps and the strategies the committee used to organize the event.

Some strategies listed to create positive change in community police relations were as follows:

1. Join with others who want to create change on this issue. The NIOT committee is co-sponsoring the event with the NAACP; the Minority and Police Partnership; the League of Women Voters; the Bloomington, Normal, and ISU police departments; the McLean County Sheriff’s office; the McLean County State’s Attorney; the Bloomington Normal Trades and Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO); and 100 Black Men.

2. Create opportunities for genuine community engagement. This event is open to everyone, and people are encouraged to submit questions prior to the event to the NAACP or via a survey on a website.

3. Address the history of mistrust and disconnection between the community and police. I’m sure the individual police representatives will discuss the history of their presence in our community and

4. Link dialogue to action and community change. Involvement is needed by young people and community leaders, and attendance at the event will include both. Certainly one of the goals for this dialogue will be to influence change where needed and create opportunities to dismantle stereotypes and mistrust.

In the wake of recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City it is obvious that poor relations between community members and police can lead to feelings of distrust, anger and fear. Citizens may think the police are prejudiced and have unfair policies. Police may feel blame for all kinds of social problems, and think they don't get credit for doing their jobs.


ISU Hosts National LGBT Conference Feb. 13-15

The Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference -- the largest LGBTQlA college conference in the nation -- is set Feb. 13-15, 2015 at Illinois State University, and will be hosted by ISU students and university staff.

ISU President Larry Dietz maintains his school's selection as the conference's venue dovetails well with the university's strategic plan mission to "further define our actions to enhance diversity on campus."

Keynote for the event, on Feb. 13, is actress Laverne Cox, who has travelled the country speaking about "moving beyond gender expectations to live more authentically." Cox  currently appears in the Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, playing the groundbreaking role of “Sophia Burset,” an incarcerated African American transgender woman. Laverne is the first trans woman of color to produce and star in her own television show, VH1’s TRANSForm Me, which was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.

Entertainment headliner is Kit Yan, who is featured in HBO's Asian Aloud. Yan is a New York based spoken word artist from Hawaii whose poetry has been reviewed in New York, Bitch, Curve, and Hyphen magazines and he has toured internationally with Sister Spit, The Tranny Roadshow, and Good Asian Drivers. His work has recently been featured in Flicker and Spark and Troubling the Line, two gay/transgender poetry anthologies, and he has a forthcoming book with Transgenre Press.

For information on the conference, visit https://saapps.illinoisstate.edu/dos/mblgtacc2015/.

 

MCLP Fosters 'Diverse Leaders'; Fair Feb. 14

McLean County's Multicultural Leadership Program (MCLP) next month will showcase its Class of 2015 and its members' community aspirations as part of a program devoted to grooming "diverse leaders."

MCLP is inviting community organizations to apply to participate in its Networking Fair on Saturday, Feb. 14. The fair is an opportunity for groups to meet this year’s 26 MCLP class participants developing leaders are nearing completion of their eight-month leadership program.

"We believe your organization will appreciate the leadership qualities of these participants," MCLP suggests. "During the fair, you will speak one-on-one with up to 15 of the program participants. This creates an opportunity for you to consider extending board and committee openings to members of the MCLP class. Please note that this is not a volunteer recruitment event, but rather an opportunity for you to meet potential board members and committee leaders."

MCLP is "an intense professional development curriculum" that provides a framework to the "innumerable leaders amongst us of all ages, cultures, and walks of life" with an interest and potential to step into leadership roles within their communities." Each MCLP class is composed of  26 individuals who meet for bi-weekly sessions spread over eight months, August through March each year.

What is the impact of MCLP? Hear what community leaders are saying!

Class participants are chosen on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to community issues, desire to learn and intent to contribute to the community at large.

The program's mission is to prepare skilled, informed individuals for leadership positions in public, private, educational, political and non-profit sectors; to foster leadership diversity through community welfare and civic participation; and to promote inter-community unity. See the accompanying video on MCLP's impact, featuring Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal leader and MCLP board member Phani Aytam.

To apply for the program, visit http://bit.ly/1D4Kll9. If your organization is interested in attending the Networking Fair, please download and complete a profile form from the MCLP website and submit it by email to Pollyanna Spears at PollyannaS@bn-mclp.org, no later than Feb. 1, 2015. The MCLP Community Involvement Committee will review each group's profile sheet and inform applicants if a space is available at the fair.

If you have any questions, please contact Linda Bollivar or Pollyanna Spears at the MCLP offices, at 309-556-3589 or 309-556-3589. State Farm is a "visionary sponsor" for the program.

 

Church Reiterates LGBT Support at New Service

This Sunday at 10:15 a.m., Bloomington First Christian Church (FCC) will usher in a new type of worship service with an explicitly open invitation.

One and All is a so-called "Progressive Worship" service,  according to FCC "designed to warmly welcome adults and children of all ages and backgrounds." And according to Associate Minister Kelley Becker, all emphatically means all.

"We are very aware that there are groups of people who have not been welcomed fully in many churches," acknowledged Becker, a Not In Our Town leader. "One of those groups is the LGBTQ community.

"We believe that a person’s sexual orientation does not affect God’s love for them, nor does it affect his or her ability to fully participate in the life and work of the church. We know that each person has been created with a purpose and a deep need to belong. To that we say, 'You belong here.' We welcome everyone to First Christian Church and especially now, as we launch our new progressive worship service, One and All, we are grateful for the opportunity to practice the radical hospitality that God calls us to. We really mean it…All Means All. "

Casual attire will be welcome at the new service, and One and All music will be led by a worship band including guitar, bass and drums. Music will vary, ranging from pop to Indie rock, and video will play a key role in the service. 

Becker stressed the new service also aims to provide a nurturing environment for single-parent families. A children’s area will be available, featuring age-appropriate activities based on the week's worship theme. Coffee and light breakfast offerings will be provided.

First Christian Church is located at 401 W. Jefferson Street. Visit One and All's Facebook page.

NIOT Reps Air Police-Citizen Concerns on WTVP

In the aftermath of the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases, Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal's Mike Matejka and John Elliott (Bloomington NAACP president and Minority and Police Partnership) suggest a dialogue should occur between leaders of law enforcement and the minority community. The pair, along with Peoria's Jamila Wilson, discussed police/community concerns on Thursday's installment of WTVP-PBS' At Issue.

The Minority and Police Partnership is attempting to create a more open dialogue between the police departments and citizens, while the Peoria Police Community Relations Advisory Committee was recently created to foster positive relations and mutual respect between police and the community. Meanwhile, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner in December announced a new city review of police procedures and community relations, and NIOT:BN this week applauded Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner for publicly condemning one of his officer's racial remark about an African-American stabbing victim (see post below).

McLean County law enforcement agencies are joining with MAPP, NIOT, the NAACP, and others to sponsor a Jan. 2 Breaking Barriers community/police dialogue from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bloomington's City of Refuge Church, 401 E Jefferson. Anonymous questions for police can be sent in advance by visiting http://Bit.ly/1wMTMAa.

Elliott in the WTVP interview maintained many minority citizens may feel reluctant to publicly "speak up" or file a complaint after they have experienced or suspect police abuse or mistreatment, for fear of official retribution. He feels that younger African-Americans "don't feel like they're being understood."

John Elliott, left, converses with citizens and police at NIOT:BN's December relaunch.

John Elliott, left, converses with citizens and police at NIOT:BN's December relaunch.

Elliott also emphasized the importance of improving diversity within police agencies, suggesting some citizens may feel more comfortable dealing with members of their own community.

"How do we build an atmosphere where that young person says, 'I want to be a police officer -- this is attractive to me, and something where I feel I can proud of that and that this is a service not only to the larger community but also to my particular ethnic (community),'" Matejka stated. 

Peoria's Wilson sees increased interest among individuals who "want to come out and talk about their levels of interactions with police, be they positive or negative."

"I think that's a first step -- the fact that we're having conversations," she said.

For more information or to watch additional episodes of At Issue, visit http://www.wtvp.org.

BDP Apologizes for Officer's Racial Statement; Breaking Barriers Community/Police Forum Jan. 22

Kevin Barlow

The Pantagraph

An audio recording of a Bloomington police officer saying he hoped a black stabbing victim "bleeds to death," which was played to a judge Thursday, prompted the police chief to say the officer was disciplined.

Separately, a coalition of organizations and public officials announced a community-police dialogue session on Jan. 22. (NOT IN OUR TOWN:BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL is one of the upcoming forum's sponsors)

"As your chief of police, I want you to know that our police department does not condone these types of comments and they do not reflect the department as a whole," Chief Brendan Heffner said in a prepared statement issued in response to the events at the Gabriella Calhoun trial.

Chief Brendan Heffner, right, with Mayor Renner, at NIOT:BN's December relaunch.

Chief Brendan Heffner, right, with Mayor Renner, at NIOT:BN's December relaunch.

(Heffner attended NIOT's Dec. 9 relaunch and was one of the first to sign the group's new anti-bigotry/anti-bullying pledge, along with Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner)

Several organizations and public officials are sponsoring a public gathering on "breaking barriers," from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at City of Refuge Church, Bloomington.

The 19-year-old Bloomington woman faces felony charges of aggravated battery and resisting a police officer stemming from a fight at a Bloomington restaurant in June 2013.

Prosecutors say Calhoun was among several hundred people who went to a party at Lucky Garden restaurant on Eldorado Road. Many of those in attendance, including Calhoun, then went to the nearby Denny's after the party ended.

According to testimony Thursday, a brawl erupted inside the restaurant and Officer Stephen Statz witnessed a black man with a knife wound leaving the restaurant. Later, Sgt. Ed Shumaker received an update from Statz.

Defense attorney Steve Skelton attempted to enter into evidence their conversation as recorded by a Bloomington police in-car camera.

Assistant State's Attorney Samantha Walley objected and the jury was sent from the courtroom while the profanity-laced conversation was heard by Costigan in open court.

On the tape, and in reference to the apparent stabbing, a man identified as Shumaker was heard asking Statz if the wounded man was black.

"Yes," Statz replied.

"Good, I hope he (expletive) bleeds to death in Normal," Shumaker said.

"Yeah," Statz answered.

Skelton argued that Statz's answer implied he was biased against his client and blacks in general.

"He hears the statement, and he adopts and agrees with it and that brings a bias toward my client," Skelton said.

Walley argued the statement was irrelevant because the comments had nothing to do with the charges against Calhoun.

"He (Shumaker) appeared after the fact and his comment has no relationship whatsoever to the case," she said. "It is being offered for no other reason except to upset the jury."

In his decision to bar the comment, Costigan said the case would be decided on its merits and a comment from one member of the department that could be construed as racist, should not be applied to every officer.

Following the ruling, Skelton asked for the mistrial based on the ruling that Costigan quickly denied.

Calling the comment "inappropriate," Heffner's statement said, in part: "We are disturbed and deeply saddened that one of our officers made such comments.

"In July 2013, the police administration conducted an in-depth review of the incident and acted swiftly to address the issue. As a result, the department administered discipline to the employee in question."

Heffner, who was not chief at the time of the incident, did not specify what disciplinary action was taken.

Thursday afternoon, a coalition announced the dialogue session.

"The program is an attempt to foster positive dialogue between citizens and law enforcement," their statement said.

The sponsors are: Not In Our Town, Bloomington/Normal; NAACP; Minority & Police Partnership; League of Women Voters; Bloomington, Normal, Illinois State University and McLean County sheriff's police; the McLean County state's attorney's office; Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO); and 100 Black Men of Central Illinois.

The Rev. Lee Bennett of City of Refuge will moderate; Conexiones Latinas will provide Spanish translation services.

People are encouraged to send questions in advance, and they may remain anonymous. Post them at http://bit.ly/1wMTMAa or mail them to the NAACP, PO Box 925, Normal, IL 61761.

submit your question for the breaking barriers forum