Unify Gwinnett was created by engaged civic leaders to address the needs and concerns of the community and share a passion for racial justice and reconciliation. We are a coalition of citizens striving to ensure inclusiveness while building a stronger and more successful Gwinnett County.
The group was formed in response to Gwinnett Sheriff Butch Conway’s inflammatory essay entitled, “All Lives Matter.” The essay referred to a “culture of police hatred” and likened organized protest organizations to “domestic terrorists with an agenda.”
Contrary to Sheriff Conway’s statements, statistics compiled by the Officer Down Memorial Page show that, locally, only 7 percent of Gwinnett police officers have been killed in the line of duty, with the last officer death more than 47 years ago.
In fact, Gwinnett has an extremely low rate of officers killed compared to populations with a similar community demographic profile. Nationally, 27 officers have been killed in the line of duty as a result of intentional gunfire, a number that is down 23 percent from the previous year.
As illustrated in Sheriff Conway’s article, exaggerated statements about “police hatred” and an elusive “war on cops” are often responses to situations demonstrating excessive police brutality, or as justification for the increased militarization of the police. Often, these statements are racially biased and completely unfounded.
While it’s important to share the facts to respond to this misinformation, ultimately, it is our goal to open lines of communication between citizens, county leadership and local law enforcement. We know Sheriff Conway’s remarks do not represent all our public servants, and we look forward to working with everyone to take the necessary steps forward.
We are not directly affiliated with Black Lives Matter or any other organization. However, we do support those who work toward racial justice and look to those who have outlined ways forward for local communities.
Understanding that Sheriff Conway has come under national scrutiny for his comments, we requested the opportunity to sit down with him in a public forum for what we hoped would lead to a series of constructive and transparent discussions. Unfortunately, the sheriff and his representatives have indicated his schedule is too busy for him to participate, but that there might be an opportunity for a more private discussion.
Unify Gwinnett believes such a public statement deserves a public response. Though Sheriff Conway has declined our invitation to participate in a public meeting, we are taking this opportunity to create platforms for voices to be heard and understood.
We seek support from individuals and organizations interested in taking part in constructive dialogue. We urge you to call, email or leave a comment on Facebook for the Gwinnett County's Sheriff's office to urge Sheriff Conway to reconsider our invitation. Please reach out to us on our website, www.unifygwinnett.com, or "like" our Facebook page, Unify Gwinnett, to sign our petition and engage in constructive change. It is our hope these collective efforts will lead us toward a safer, healthier and more inclusive community.
Ebony Starks is a founding member of Unify Gwinnett.
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