(PHOTOS) – Decatur hosts diversity discussion
Fardosa Hassan participates in the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation in 2015.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
The city of Decatur is in the process of creating a “Community Action Plan” to address concerns about the city’s dwindling diversity.
As part of the development of the plan, the city hosted a Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation at the Ebster Recreation Center on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The city recently entered into a $109,000 agreement with a consultant, The Art of Community, to help develop the plan and facilitate the conversation. The consulting firm put together a Leadership Circle of residents and city employees that has been meeting regularly to develop recommendations about how the diversity discussion should move forward.
The development of the Community Action Plan came about after a group of citizens, led by former School Board member Don Denard, raised concerns about alleged racial profiling by city Police Officers. The city decided to make it broader dialogue about race and diversity in the city.
Decaturish photographer Jonathan Phillips dropped by the Ebster Recreation Center on Saturday and captured these images of the community’s dialogue about diversity.
Hundreds of people came out to the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation on Aug. 29 to discuss issues such as diverse and affordable housing, racially just community policing and more. The city is creating a Community Action Plan to build on the city’s 2010 strategic plan to ensure the city is welcoming, inclusive and equitable.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Christian Perry speaks during the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation at Ebster Recreation Center on Saturday.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Mattice Haynes helps lead the discussion during the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation at the Ebster Recreation Center on Saturday.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
The workbook for the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
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Peggy Parker uses a wireless transmitter to give her opinion on polling questions during Saturday’s meeting.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Beverly Jones uses a wireless transmitter to give her opinion on polling questions.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Michael Harbin gets to know his neighbors.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Daniel Walker (left), Mary Alice Kemp and Cele Blair get to know one another during the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Pearleta Sterling (center) and Dawn Buannic participate in the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation in Decatur.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Shannan Miller (top right) visits with different tables during the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Fardosa Hassan participates in the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Ashley Cooper leads the Community Action Planning Cafe Conversation.
Photo: Jonathan Phillips