We ACT, a nonprofit Mansfield organization, will sponsor a public “Community Conversation: How to Work Together for a Better Community” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, in the Mansfield Senior High School auditorium. Angel
Ross-Taylor, co-founder of We ACT, said the panel discussion will include:
-- Officer
Peter Casuccio of the Columbus Police Department who made national news for not
shooting two black boys, ages 11 and 13, after he received a call about two
black males flashing a gun. Casuccio was seen on his body camera scolding the
boys for what could have been a tragic situation. Saturday will be the first
time Casuccio has shared the story with a live audience.
-- Carlos
Christian, who served 10 years in prison, but now is dedicated to
rehabilitation of others. He earned a degree in business management, has
authored two books and started a nonprofit organization aimed at combating the
tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend.
-- Nicole
Blakley, a former law enforcement officer, who will describe conversations with
her white and black sons about race and policing.
-- Kay Smith, a
community organizer for the nonprofit North End Community Improvement Cooperative
and coordinator for M-CAV, the focused deterrence program with the Mansfield
Police Department. She also created Mothers Against Violence after her brother
was killed due to gun violence.
-- Jaylen Scott, a sophomore at Madison Comprehensive High School, who is active in school and his church. He will be the panel’s youth representative.
On its website, We ACT describes itself as “a community organization that will respond to community needs when we can where we can and how we can with love, peace, respect and understanding.”
For more information
email [email protected]