Pane Discussion On Racial Injustices and Racism

Alexis Scott was at a panel discussion in Florence on racial injustices.

To have this event in lauderdale county.

Just behind these doors florence police chief... community leaders... and even a former ku klux klan member came here to listen and talk in depth about where the stem of systemic racism starts and how we can make a change pastor bobby gourley, we are chapel church "how do we bring solutions to this rather than keep defining the problem over and over again," pastor bobby gourley and his wife put together a panel discussion at we are chapel church to have people from the community try and answer that very question.

He told me tonight was to start a discussion about racial injustices and where the root of the issues lie.

He said now is the time to move past protests and begin to figure out how to change the narrative.

But one of the panelists said he hopes people can do both.

He believes this issue can't be solved overnight -- and wants people to continue to advocate for those who have died from police brutality.

James edwards, lives in florence "the hashtag is a representation of george floyd, it's a representation of breonna taylor, of alton and jarius, and a representation of ahmaud arbery," aside from hearing from judges... social work employees and even those in the school system... the crowd also heard from a former ku-klux- klan member.

A man representing the ability to change.

Nats pop as more than 300 people listened both virtually and in-person... the police chief of florence taking the mic ... and admitting departments are not hiring enough persons of color.

Ronald tyler, florence police chief "the problem is not that we're not hiring.

The problem is that they're just not applying.

How many african american communities, do you think, are pushing black men and women to become police officers right now," pastor gourley told me this wont be the last event you'll see like this..

As they're working to keep these tough conversations going.

Reporting in lauderdale county, alexis scott waay-31 news