Seeking to resolve police brutality, racial injustice, and inequality in the Quad-Cities, Community Activist Thurgood Brooks presented a 10-point plan called The Resolution at a rally recently held outside of Second Baptist Church in Rock Island. At this rally he assembled politicians, residents, and community leaders, as well as a large number of concerned citizens.
There, he asked residents to trust him and hold him accountable for carrying out this plan and promised to hold those in power accountable as well.
An African American mother of two sons, attending the rally said she no longer believes in the words ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’.
Another resident proclaimed, “We have good cops and bad cops and we need to get the bad ones out!" She continued, “Elected officials ask for our votes and then we never see them again. When I see you again my question will be, 'What will you do for racial justice?'”
A man in the crowd proclaimed, “The African American vote is for sale!” a sentiment that seems to be echoed by many, including Brooks.
“We’re not voting on a D or an R, were voting on whatever this platform is.” I don’t care what your tax plan is, I’m voting for THIS!” I don’t care about anything else beyond this…so if you’re not willing to adopt the resolution to its entirety, I’m not going to be able to check a box next to your name regardless of a D or an R!”
The plan specifically lists 10 different points of action for police reform. It includes cultural competence and officer de-escalation training, penalties for manipulation of body cameras, development of independent agencies to audit police behavior, a national registry for police who use unjustifiable force and establishing a police community relations committee for each city.
In the weeks following the rally, Brooks was encouraged, stating “Our congresswoman, police chiefs, mayors and sheriffs all agree that the demands of the Resolution are attainable, reasonable and can be done." Nevertheless, he says satisfaction will not come until the changes are made. To ensure authorities stay engaged Resolution team members contact them every 15 days for follow up and progress.
From some long-overdue policy changes, to one terrible life-ending tragedy after another, Brooks is determined there will be change, at least in the Quad-Cities, and is optimistic about a united effort to bring about that change.
“For the first time, I saw both sides of the aisle speaking out on police brutality, which is encouraging. Only beautiful things come from tragedy. What happened to George Floyd is a tragedy.”
Community organizer Tracy White says change occurs when those with authority embrace it and act on it, but believes everyone has to get involved for real effective change to manifest.
“For people in those positions of privilege and power, to use that position of privilege and power to start effecting the change. It can’t just be us… the African American community fighting for resources. It can’t just be us. It has to be everybody.”
Resolution organizers will make periodic updates to disclose action and progress toward the goals of the plan. Supporters of the Resolution are encouraged to get involved and stay engaged in the quest for change.
Brooks is holding steadfast to hope and his belief in humanity that dialogue will shift to ACTION, and feels a change is closer than we believe.
