CITIZEN REMARKS - 09:17 Amanda Callahan: Concerned Livonia will become a sanctuary city. 10:02 Trische' Duckworth: Survivors Speak representative. Voicing concerns over Council President Kathleen McIntyre's racially insensitive remarks about protesters. Discusses Wing Stop owner / threatening black man(customer) / Police doing nothing. 13:56 Roy Johnson: Voicing support for Livonia Police. 16:17 Sean [possibly Desean, sorry, hard to hear with masks]: Voicing concerns about the facts of racial profiling and racism in Livonia, and how it affects him, and other black people on a daily basis. Addressing lack of diversity on the city council. Asks council to go out of their way to hold police accountable for their actions. 19:14 Melissa Cunningham: Voicing concerns about a lack of diversity in Livonia, and in Livonia's government. Asking council to consider whether the black people in their lives feel comfortable visiting/living in Livonia. Voicing concerns about racial profiling in livonia. 21:45 Amanda Chrysler: Voicing concerns about her personal experiences being harassed by the police. Childhood friend with troubled background was harassed by police, because he "fit the description" of someone they were looking for [unfinished story / time expired ]. 25:06 Heather: City Council Must Act Suggesting Livonia City Council follow the example of other city councils across the country to take action to address racism and profiling. --Councilperson McCullough response, Acknowledging he understands the concerns, and is committed to helping come up with ways to solve these issues-- 28:53 Michael Robinson: Addressing Councilperson McCullough, respect him for speaking out alone on the council. Voicing concern that there is no diversity on the council/in government and how that leads to racial insensitivity, and a lack of concern for the racism in Livonia. 31:10 Jonathan Akkari: Tells the remainder of Amanda Chrysler's story in which the Livonia Police harassed her and her friends for no reason, causing trauma, and arresting one of her friends. Voicing concerns about these types of cause-less stops, and how racial profiling makes them even worse, having an impact on the everyday lives of black people. Citing the ratio of black people to white people arrested in Livonia doesn't correspond with the demographic make-up of Livonia and surrounding communuties. COUNCIL MEMBER REMARKS - 35:00 COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT BAHR: -Incorrectly claims change means nothing without objective, and that it's unclear what objective is being requested by citizens. -Correctly claims that citizens want a quick fix. Incorrectly claims this (City Council) isn't a place where that can happen. -Incorrectly claims that Racism is a "heart issue". -Incorrectly claims that there is no legislation that can fix racism. -Correctly claism that "we [City Council] could pass a resolution, and pass it unanimously tonight, saying we decry racism in Livonia." But Incorrectly claims that it would do nothing. -Incorrectly correlates the racism that exists amongst and between private citizens with the institutional racism that is encouraged and allowed to fester in the (unequal)Justice System. Stating [incorrectly] that if we act nicer to one another, that will somehow change police culture. -Incorrectly claims that if we follow the teachings of Christ (loving your neighbor), institutional racism will go away. -Incorrectly claims that institutional racism against black people is thousands of years old. -Correctly claims that from his point of view, he (a white man) doesn't see a real issue, but incorrectly claims that Livonia welcomes everyone. -Incorrectly claims that "shaming the city with the national narrative" is not helpful. 43:49 COUNCILMEMBER JIM JOLLY: -Admits there is merit to what citizens are saying regarding racial profiling in Livonia. -Proposes Resolution to be voted for - on the spot - which states: ---"Racism is not welcome in the City of Livonia. ----Any prejudice of any kind, because of status, is not welcom in Livonia." -Council Members McCullough, and White offer support for vote. -Council Vice President Bahr strikes down the vote, saying: "If I'm gonna support that, we'll need it in writing so I know what we're talking about...need and opportunity to review" -Councilmember Jolly will write resolution and it will be on the AUGUST 05, 2002 agenda. 47:17 COUCILMEMBER CATHY WHITE: -Expresses support and sympathy for Citizen remarks. -Encourages diversity on the council, wants more black citizens and other minorities to run for council. 49:26 COUNCILMEMBER BRANDON MCCULLOUGH: -Agrees with Councilmember Jolly, White, will support resolution. -States more needs to be done to promote change. 50:13 COMMENCE WITH RELATIVELY UNIMPORTANT AGENDA ITEMS for what seems like an eternity CITIZEN REMARKS - 1:22:15 Alexandria: Livonia Citizens Caring for Black Lives. Conveys story of her brother (very good kid, who had never been in trouble), who had just started his job in Livonia, and who Felt unsafe, endangered and harassed by repeated instances of being followed and stopped by Livonia Police for no reason. Addresses racially insensitive commments made by certain councilmembers. --Council Vice President Bahr response, encouraging people to call the police to report those kinds of experiences. Claims council sees body camera footage for instances. [which is confusing because he also claimed they have no oversite power over the police.]-- 1:30:42 Margret [unsure of last name, sorry, hard to hear]: Black Studen Union at Schoolcraft College States the city council is totally missing the point. The point is the police department, and its blatant corruption. States it is not funny that she, and others, are daily fighting for their lives, and to be treated like humans. Addresses the racist/privileged content of his earlier remarks. Requests equity and humanity, and that the council is very dismissive of these issues. Reminds council that they have power. They have connections, and are able to affect change. [1:33:57 COUNCIL PRESIDENT MCINTYRE REMARKS -] --Despite Bahr's earleir bragging that they review body cam footage, and that the Chief of Police shares reports of alleged misconduct, Council President McIntyre claims they have no power over the police. 1:35:07 John Hillers: Livonia Citizens Caring about Black Lives Ask council if they were to see a video on CNN of Livoni Police beating or killing a black person, will they feel like they did everything they could to have stopped it. Concerned that complaints to police (about police Racial profiling) are ineffective when almost all are found to be "invalid" by the police. 1:37:40 Rian [Sorry, Unsure of spelling]: Vice President: Black Studen Union at Schoolcraft College. Voicing concerns that in Livonia, black people are not viewed as equal. States even though the same God she believes in, the same God that Council Vice President Bahr believes in, created her as equal to anyone else, she is nevertheless, unequally protected because of the color of her skin. Racism in Livonia is racist systemically, the same as other large cities. 1:40:51 Jody White [possibly incorrect, sorry hard to hear]: Voicing concern for black kids, and that her children, even though white, are also in danger in Livonia due to harassment by police of black friends. Support for the driving while black billboard. Concerned complaining is seen as resistance/resisting arrest. 1:43:23 No Name Given: Directing attention to priviledged remarks by councilmembers. States even though council thinks they're powerless to fix the issues, they should still try. Points to how city council in Minneapolis passed regulations banning choke holds. Livonia City Council should stop saying they're powerless. Concerned for her friends safety traveling through Livonia. 1:45:12 Trische' Duckworth: States people of color in the community should be involved in drafting the Council's resolution on Livonia racism, since everyone on the council is white. City Council should declare for Livonia that racism is a healthcare crisis. Calls on Council president McIntyre to step down from her position. Will recall if necessary.
COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT BAHR: "-Incorrectly claims change means nothing without objective, and that it's unclear what objective is being requested by citizens. " Actually this is Correct. If there is no target, how does one hit it? "-Incorrectly claims that Racism is a "heart issue"." This is really strange. If it's not a heart issue, what is it? If humans are not doing it, who is? "-Incorrectly claims that there is no legislation that can fix racism. " This is correct, legislation can help slow it down and help curtail it, but it can't fix it. To fix it, we have to fix ourselves. "-Correctly claism [sic.] that "we [City Council] could pass a resolution, and pass it unanimously tonight, saying we decry racism in Livonia." But Incorrectly claims that it would do nothing. " I'm not sure what a resolution will do...what force does that have? "-Incorrectly correlates the racism that exists amongst and between private citizens with the institutional racism that is encouraged and allowed to fester in the (unequal)Justice System. Stating [incorrectly] that if we act nicer to one another, that will somehow change police culture. " So, what institutional racism is encourage and allowed? So acting "nicer" to each other will not change how cops and those he/she stops treat each other? It strikes me that it will. "-Incorrectly claims that if we follow the teachings of Christ (loving your neighbor), institutional racism will go away." This claim that is said to be incorrect is actually the most correct item of everything here. How can you have racism if you continue to act in a racist way? (By the way, for "institutional racism" to exist, you need PEOPLE who are doing raciest things. In fact, you need people who advocated for raciest policies.) So yes, loving your neighbor is the best and really only thing to end racism. "-Incorrectly claims that institutional racism against black people is thousands of years old. " Sorry, but I listened to his comment twice, he never said that "institutional racism against black people is thousands of years old." What he was say is that racism is thousands of years old. That is true. Now, if you as CRT teaches that only white people can be racist against black people, then I can see your point. But that is fake and false. "-Correctly claims that from his point of view, he (a white man) doesn't see a real issue, but incorrectly claims that Livonia welcomes everyone. " First he is white, so? Second, he is an informed who works with people with various backgrounds. He listens. That's what's needed in his position. If Livonia doesn't welcome everyone (which the city Vice president, pretty high up there, says they are) what evidence do you have to the contrary? Is there anyone in leadership that says they are not? You say they are not, again, whats the evidence? "-Incorrectly claims that "shaming the city with the national narrative" is not helpful." I'm not sure how shaming will help unless you have answers. So far, the best answers were given by Scott...which you seem to reject.
Hang tough city council. If these "citizens" aren't happy living in Livonia, MOVE OUT! Don't try to force your leftist social agendas on me or my city. I live in Livonia because of the way it is run and the way it promotes family values in a civilized community. The majority of Livonia's residents and citizens, both vocal and silent DO NOT want to live in or have their city become a Chicago, New York, Seattle, Portland etc. I respect the views and opinions of the audience, but if they want to live in a city like the ones mentioned, they're free to move to the city of their choice. Just as I have a choice not to have my city of Livonia turn into a "Summer of Love" city.
Bahr and McIntyre are SO smug! McCullough -- Black people have been telling us for 400 years about racism. To say "It takes time" and "Things are happening behind the scenes" is not enough.
Livonia is not racist and police do not racial profile. If you follow the law you won't get stopped. This woman is full of crap, she is militant. She needs to head for Detroit where she belongs.
You don't like our city, move. You can't drive through Livonia, go around it. Although it is bologna, anyone can drive through Livonia. Always has been. If you follow the law you are fine.,
What is with the head gear?
CITIZEN REMARKS -
09:17 Amanda Callahan: Concerned Livonia will become a sanctuary city.
10:02 Trische' Duckworth: Survivors Speak representative. Voicing concerns over Council President Kathleen McIntyre's racially insensitive remarks about protesters. Discusses Wing Stop owner / threatening black man(customer) / Police doing nothing.
13:56 Roy Johnson: Voicing support for Livonia Police.
16:17 Sean [possibly Desean, sorry, hard to hear with masks]: Voicing concerns about the facts of racial profiling and racism in Livonia, and how it affects him, and other black people on a daily basis. Addressing lack of diversity on the city council. Asks council to go out of their way to hold police accountable for their actions.
19:14 Melissa Cunningham: Voicing concerns about a lack of diversity in Livonia, and in Livonia's government. Asking council to consider whether the black people in their lives feel comfortable visiting/living in Livonia. Voicing concerns about racial profiling in livonia.
21:45 Amanda Chrysler: Voicing concerns about her personal experiences being harassed by the police. Childhood friend with troubled background was harassed by police, because he "fit the description" of someone they were looking for [unfinished story / time expired ].
25:06 Heather: City Council Must Act Suggesting Livonia City Council follow the example of other city councils across the country to take action to address racism and profiling.
--Councilperson McCullough response, Acknowledging he understands the concerns, and is committed to helping come up with ways
to solve these issues--
28:53 Michael Robinson: Addressing Councilperson McCullough, respect him for speaking out alone on the council. Voicing concern that there is no diversity on the council/in government and how that leads to racial insensitivity, and a lack of concern for the racism in Livonia.
31:10 Jonathan Akkari: Tells the remainder of Amanda Chrysler's story in which the Livonia Police harassed her and her friends for no reason, causing trauma, and arresting one of her friends. Voicing concerns about these types of cause-less stops, and how racial profiling makes them even worse, having an impact on the everyday lives of black people. Citing the ratio of black people to white people arrested in Livonia doesn't correspond with the demographic make-up of Livonia and surrounding communuties.
COUNCIL MEMBER REMARKS -
35:00 COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT BAHR:
-Incorrectly claims change means nothing without objective, and that it's unclear what objective is being requested by citizens.
-Correctly claims that citizens want a quick fix. Incorrectly claims this (City Council) isn't a place where that can happen.
-Incorrectly claims that Racism is a "heart issue".
-Incorrectly claims that there is no legislation that can fix racism.
-Correctly claism that "we [City Council] could pass a resolution, and pass it unanimously tonight, saying we decry racism in Livonia." But Incorrectly claims that it would do nothing.
-Incorrectly correlates the racism that exists amongst and between private citizens with the institutional racism that is encouraged and allowed to
fester in the (unequal)Justice System. Stating [incorrectly] that if we act nicer to one another, that will somehow change police culture.
-Incorrectly claims that if we follow the teachings of Christ (loving your neighbor), institutional racism will go away.
-Incorrectly claims that institutional racism against black people is thousands of years old.
-Correctly claims that from his point of view, he (a white man) doesn't see a real issue, but incorrectly claims that Livonia welcomes everyone.
-Incorrectly claims that "shaming the city with the national narrative" is not helpful.
43:49 COUNCILMEMBER JIM JOLLY:
-Admits there is merit to what citizens are saying regarding racial profiling in Livonia.
-Proposes Resolution to be voted for - on the spot - which states:
---"Racism is not welcome in the City of Livonia.
----Any prejudice of any kind, because of status, is not welcom in Livonia."
-Council Members McCullough, and White offer support for vote.
-Council Vice President Bahr strikes down the vote, saying:
"If I'm gonna support that, we'll need it in writing so I know what we're talking about...need
and opportunity to review"
-Councilmember Jolly will write resolution and it will be on the AUGUST 05, 2002 agenda.
47:17 COUCILMEMBER CATHY WHITE:
-Expresses support and sympathy for Citizen remarks.
-Encourages diversity on the council, wants more black citizens and other minorities to run for council.
49:26 COUNCILMEMBER BRANDON MCCULLOUGH:
-Agrees with Councilmember Jolly, White, will support resolution.
-States more needs to be done to promote change.
50:13 COMMENCE WITH RELATIVELY UNIMPORTANT AGENDA ITEMS for what seems like an eternity
CITIZEN REMARKS -
1:22:15 Alexandria: Livonia Citizens Caring for Black Lives. Conveys story of her brother (very good kid, who had never been in trouble), who had just started his job in Livonia, and who Felt unsafe, endangered and harassed by repeated instances of being followed and stopped by Livonia Police for no reason. Addresses racially insensitive commments made by certain councilmembers.
--Council Vice President Bahr response, encouraging people to call the police to report those kinds of experiences. Claims council sees body camera footage for
instances. [which is confusing because he also claimed they have no oversite power over the police.]--
1:30:42 Margret [unsure of last name, sorry, hard to hear]: Black Studen Union at Schoolcraft College States the city council is totally missing the point. The point is the police department, and its blatant corruption. States it is not funny that she, and others, are daily fighting for their lives, and to be treated like humans. Addresses the racist/privileged content of his earlier remarks. Requests equity and humanity, and that the council is very dismissive of these issues. Reminds council that they have power. They have connections, and are able to affect change.
[1:33:57 COUNCIL PRESIDENT MCINTYRE REMARKS -]
--Despite Bahr's earleir bragging that they review body cam footage, and that the Chief of Police shares reports of alleged misconduct,
Council President McIntyre claims they have no power over the police.
1:35:07 John Hillers: Livonia Citizens Caring about Black Lives Ask council if they were to see a video on CNN of Livoni Police beating or killing a black person, will they feel like they did everything they could to have stopped it. Concerned that complaints to police (about police Racial profiling) are ineffective when almost all are found to be "invalid" by the police.
1:37:40 Rian [Sorry, Unsure of spelling]: Vice President: Black Studen Union at Schoolcraft College. Voicing concerns that in Livonia, black people are not viewed as equal. States even though the same God she believes in, the same God that Council Vice President Bahr believes in, created her as equal to anyone else, she is nevertheless, unequally protected because of the color of her skin. Racism in Livonia is racist systemically, the same as other large cities.
1:40:51 Jody White [possibly incorrect, sorry hard to hear]: Voicing concern for black kids, and that her children, even though white, are also in danger in Livonia due to harassment by police of black friends. Support for the driving while black billboard. Concerned complaining is seen as resistance/resisting arrest.
1:43:23 No Name Given: Directing attention to priviledged remarks by councilmembers. States even though council thinks they're powerless to fix the issues, they should still try. Points to how city council in Minneapolis passed regulations banning choke holds. Livonia City Council should stop saying they're powerless. Concerned for her friends safety traveling through Livonia.
1:45:12 Trische' Duckworth: States people of color in the community should be involved in drafting the Council's resolution on Livonia racism, since everyone on the council is white. City Council should declare for Livonia that racism is a healthcare crisis. Calls on Council president McIntyre to step down from her position. Will recall if necessary.
COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT BAHR:
"-Incorrectly claims change means nothing without objective, and that it's unclear what objective is being requested by citizens.
" Actually this is Correct. If there is no target, how does one hit it?
"-Incorrectly claims that Racism is a "heart issue"." This is really strange. If it's not a heart issue, what is it? If humans are not doing it, who is?
"-Incorrectly claims that there is no legislation that can fix racism.
" This is correct, legislation can help slow it down and help curtail it, but it can't fix it. To fix it, we have to fix ourselves.
"-Correctly claism [sic.] that "we [City Council] could pass a resolution, and pass it unanimously tonight, saying we decry racism in Livonia." But Incorrectly claims that it would do nothing.
" I'm not sure what a resolution will do...what force does that have?
"-Incorrectly correlates the racism that exists amongst and between private citizens with the institutional racism that is encouraged and allowed to fester in the (unequal)Justice System. Stating [incorrectly] that if we act nicer to one another, that will somehow change police culture.
" So, what institutional racism is encourage and allowed? So acting "nicer" to each other will not change how cops and those he/she stops treat each other? It strikes me that it will.
"-Incorrectly claims that if we follow the teachings of Christ (loving your neighbor), institutional racism will go away." This claim that is said to be incorrect is actually the most correct item of everything here. How can you have racism if you continue to act in a racist way? (By the way, for "institutional racism" to exist, you need PEOPLE who are doing raciest things. In fact, you need people who advocated for raciest policies.) So yes, loving your neighbor is the best and really only thing to end racism.
"-Incorrectly claims that institutional racism against black people is thousands of years old.
" Sorry, but I listened to his comment twice, he never said that "institutional racism against black people is thousands of years old." What he was say is that racism is thousands of years old. That is true. Now, if you as CRT teaches that only white people can be racist against black people, then I can see your point. But that is fake and false.
"-Correctly claims that from his point of view, he (a white man) doesn't see a real issue, but incorrectly claims that Livonia welcomes everyone.
" First he is white, so? Second, he is an informed who works with people with various backgrounds. He listens. That's what's needed in his position. If Livonia doesn't welcome everyone (which the city Vice president, pretty high up there, says they are) what evidence do you have to the contrary? Is there anyone in leadership that says they are not? You say they are not, again, whats the evidence?
"-Incorrectly claims that "shaming the city with the national narrative" is not helpful." I'm not sure how shaming will help unless you have answers. So far, the best answers were given by Scott...which you seem to reject.
Hang tough city council. If these "citizens" aren't happy living in Livonia, MOVE OUT! Don't try to force your leftist social agendas on me or my city. I live in Livonia because of the way it is run and the way it promotes family values in a civilized community. The majority of Livonia's residents and citizens, both vocal and silent DO NOT want to live in or have their city become a Chicago, New York, Seattle, Portland etc. I respect the views and opinions of the audience, but if they want to live in a city like the ones mentioned, they're free to move to the city of their choice. Just as I have a choice not to have my city of Livonia turn into a "Summer of Love" city.
Bahr and McIntyre are SO smug!
McCullough -- Black people have been telling us for 400 years about racism. To say "It takes time" and "Things are happening behind the scenes" is not enough.
Livonia is not racist and police do not racial profile. If you follow the law you won't get stopped. This woman is full of crap, she is militant. She needs to head for Detroit where she belongs.
You don't like our city, move. You can't drive through Livonia, go around it. Although it is bologna, anyone can drive through Livonia. Always has been. If you follow the law you are fine.,
Only a dumbass would say something like that if you don't like it move that's the problem in Livonia.