Columbus NAACP make demands of city leaders and a plea to protestors

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WYSX/WTTE) — A new call for action and change Friday in the training and tactics of police by the NAACP. At Trinity Baptist Church leaders from the community and the local chapter of NAACP said their top priority is to make sure an independent civilian review board is formed for fatal and excessive force police incidents.

President Nana Watson had a list of nine demands which include Increased mandatory training around racial bias, mental health, and de-escalation tactics. The group is also asking for a ban on the use of chokeholds and knee holds as we have seen in the George Floyd case in Minneapolis.

Iman Clark, with the OSU chapter of NAACP, said “This fight is for all of the victims of police brutality, whose names and stories we know, and those that were never told. Courage has not skipped this generation and we will not stop fighting for black lives.”

Watson said she wants a meeting with Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 president.

“We are going to push them. We are going to have a conversation with the FOP and tell them our demands. If you’re not about the right thing for this community, particularly black people, we’re coming for you,” said Watson.

Trinity Baptist Pastor Victor Davis talked about the vandalism to his church. Black Lives Matter and other words were spray-painted on the building. “Vandalism and destruction to property, whether a business or a church is unacceptable,” said Davis.

“It’s time for people to be heard, the season is right. But to vandalize anyone’s property, business, and for me, especially the church—a place of worship and solitude for people—is totally unacceptable,” Davis said.

Watson said the also want legislation mandating a zero-tolerance in prosecuting police who kill unarmed, non-violent people in an arrest situation.

Watson said she has not heard from Ned Pettus, the Safety Director of Columbus, who is African American and who is the supervisor of all police and fire.

“We have not had a conversation with the safety director. He has not commented on any of this, so that is a little disheartening,” she said.

For some, the demonstrations lay bare imperfections in our system. Leaders said they have to keep focused on positive change.

Brandy Slaughter is heading up the NAACP political action committee. “We have to register to vote. We have to participate in the political process or everything we have done is for not. We have to put people of color in elected office,” said Slaughter.