Maurice always had something positive and proactive going on in and for the community. In 1991 he hosted and moderated a Black Man conference at the University of Pennsylvania for 5 days. This conference consited of poety, music, plays, and real discussion on issues that had been plaquing our community. One such topic was moderated and lead by myself entitled " Are Black Cops Our Friends." The discussion covered the role of Black officer within our community, The lack of involment, and the mind set of being the ultimate authority instead of a servant to our community.
The discussion began with the question, Are Black Cops Our Friends'? There was a resounding yell of no! from the crowd and a constructive discussion began.
The Philadelphia Police does not and has not operated from an holistic approach in our community. Most times when our children see them operate in our community it is from seeing them responding to a disturbance, a murder, being abusive toward a citizen, or moving young men from one corner to another.
This has spawned much tension between the community and the department.
Using a holistic approach by having these officers participate in programs such as little leauge football, baseball, or basketball can have a more positive effect on the community and assist in the mentorship of young children.
Although this would not be a cure all it would lend more credibility to the police department becoming a intricate part of the community.
Pam Africa was in the audience from the (MOVE) organization who had a terrible ordeal with Mayors Frank Rizzo and Wildon Goode. Pam stated that they were constantly harrassed and confronted by Philadelphia Police so much that the were brutally attack by the police, shot at and ultimately having their house and neighborhood blown up with C-4 killing members in the house and firing up them as they attempted to leave the burning building. This was truly a heart wrenching story
delivered by her.
The discussion of Rodney king and personal stories rang through the room attempting to come up with solution that would make our experience with police better.
After the discussion we her the sounds of congas in the hall as we segwayed to the next discussion or performance. This was a lesson in true community service and organizing.
