Burlington County Civil Rights Task Force To Hold Forum Thursday

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — As part of its ongoing review of social justice issues that impact residents, Burlington County’s new Minority and Equality Rights Task Force will host its first public forum Thursday night.

The forum will stream online at 6 p.m. Oct. 29, and it will center on the issue of Police Interactions with the Minority Communities. It will feature a panel of speakers from law enforcement, the NAACP, social justice activists and local government.

Residents interested in participating in the forum can log on from a computer, tablet or smartphone. Click here to join the meeting or dial in by phone at 571-317-3112. The Access Code is 625-268-949. The seminar will be open to the public, but residents are asked to submit questions ahead of time by emailing the task force at equality@co.burlington.nj.us.

The group is charged with devising ways the county can combat systemic racism and support equality for all, no matter race, color, gender, nationality, religion or sexual orientation. Read more here: Burlington County Establishes Civil Rights Task Force

Burlington County Director Felicia Hopson pushed for the creation of the task force, and is one if its first 15 members. Read more here: Burlington County Names First Members To Its Civil Rights Task Force

“The Task Force is very excited to hold our first forum and to really begin digging into the issues,” Hopson said. “Education and training are two really important things that can help our community change and heal. Holding forums and seminars is a good way to start that process.”

Task Force Chair Malikah Morris said the group decided the first seminar should be focused on police community relations, diversity and de-escalation trainings for officers, how to file a complaint, and knowing your rights when interacting with law enforcement.

“We know this is an issue that is on people’s minds,” Morris said. “We’re proud of the inclusive collection of voices we’re bringing together. We think the panel will be very informative both for our task force members and the public.”

Morris will be the moderator, and speakers will include both Task Force members and invited guests. Panelists will include Burlington City Police Chief John Fine, Burlington Township Police Officer Jarrod Broadway, Southern Burlington County NAACP President Crystal Charley-Sibley, Servicios de Latinos Director Angela Gonzalez, Congregation Beth Tikvah Rabbi Nathan Weiner, Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie and South Jersey Activist Boaz Matlack.

“We want to have a frank and open dialogue with public involvement, but also a respectful one,” Hopson said. “And while this is our task force’s first seminar, we intend to hold several more on additional issues, including education and the justice system. This group isn’t just for show. We want people to know we’re meeting and talking about the issues that are important to them.”