Diversity leader Brooks: Ferguson another reason to diversify police
The Rev. Clyde H. Brooks, chairman of the Illinois Commission on Diversity & Human Relations, reacted to the decision Monday night saying perception in this case is more powerful than facts given “the historical problem that young men of color face in this country.”
“I'm not going to condemn the grand jury or anybody,” said Brooks, of the Northwest suburbs. “We can't bring Michael Brown back to life, but we can learn from our experiences. It seems like we never learn. It seems like this happens almost constantly. The newspapers and the TV cameras cover the problem, but nothing happens.”
Brooks said this situation in Ferguson affords everyone the unique opportunity to change the face of police departments everywhere that fail to represent the community it serves.
He said more black people need to be encouraged to enter law enforcement and to help enforce what law enforcement does.
For many in the black community, it's a career that many don't understand or that they're afraid of, he said.
There's a historical mistrust of police or a perception that they've been mistreated by police, but Brooks, who has worked with many police departments to connect with those in the black community, said that it's a lucrative career with good benefits and pay.
“What happened in Ferguson is happening throughout the nation,” Brooks said. “The only difference is that it hasn't happened like that (here) like it happened in Ferguson.
“As our communities become more diversified, it's just a matter of time,” he said. “We can work together now.”