Some big names from metro communities came together Wednesday to talk about racial equality and how all can make things better in an event called "Heal America."
Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon was at the event where he said celebrities like Atlanta rapper TI took part in the conversation and wrestling star Titus O’Neil was outspoken about his views.
It began with a prayer by pastor Omar Jahwar, who believes finding racial equality will also require hard work.
“The goal of ‘Heal America’ is to do what it says. It is to bring healing to urban communities that have been in this place of pain and stagnation for many years,” he said.
Jahwar and other special guests looked to not only discuss racial issues Wednesday night but also find real solutions.
“At what point do we look and say our value is equal. And that our lives are valuable?” Jahwar said.
The event came just days after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin and featured an appearance from Atlanta’s own TI.
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“Anything I can say or do that will lead to the liberation of (unclear) people, I’m always eager to do so,” TI said.
But WWE wrestling star O'Neil stole the show with concerns about where the movement goes from here.
“So what are you actually trying to do? When I hear people say defund the police, they don’t even know what the hell defund the police even means,” O’Neil said.
The panelists called for real solutions like more training for police officers in de-escalation techniques and sentencing reform in drug cases.
“The problem is the systemic issues within law enforcement and the justice system,” O’Neil said.
The group has held this same event in Dallas and Minneapolis so far and will likely do so in more cities.
Organizers said they want to make sure this is a continuing conversation.
Cox Media Group
