Media Release
For Immediate Release

What: Press Conference to address Police Brutality
When: Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:00 a.m.
Who: Seventy-five Clergy from the Kansas City Area
Where: City Hall (12th street)

Why: We, members of the faith community, stand together to express our anger and frustration over the long history of tension between law enforcement and minority communities. The protests taking place in Kansas City are a result of constant harassment at the hands of police felt by black and brown people. We want to let all of those who have been protesting peacefully know that we understand their pain and stand with them. We also condemn the actions of those who feel the need to demonstrate by way of violence. Much of the distrust between the black community and the police department is a result of cultural insensitivity and systemic racism. We are tired of the police brutality and murders of unarmed black men. In an effort to restore trust and build relationships, we make the following demands:

1. The police end any and all forms of excessive force including but, not limited to pepper-spraying peaceful protestors.

2. The establishment of an independent police review board with the authority to act within the next ninety (90) days.

3. Local control of KCPD.

4. All officers wear body cameras.

5. More community programs with KCPD in higher crime areas.

For further questions, please contact
Emanuel Cleaver III, Senior Pastor of St. James UMC drec3@sjumckc.org
Media Contact:
Tracy Milsap, Exec Asst/ECIII
816.802.8231