In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy of unity and righteousness, the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) teams up with Mother Bethel AME Church to host a brunch that serves more than food—it aims to feed the city's drive for justice and equity in policing. This MLK Interfaith Brunch, set for January 15, aspires to bridge various faith communities with the mission of the CPOC, which is to ensure transparent and responsible law enforcement that serves all Philadelphians fairly. Details of the event have been recently shared, including its agenda and a list of honorable speakers and awardees.
The meeting ground, none other than the Mother Bethel AME Church, has its doors opening at 9:30 AM, with the program slated to start at 10 AM. On the roster are greetings from Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., and Nicolas O'Rourke, followed by insights from CPOC figures like Tonya McClary, Esq., their Executive Director, and Ewuare Osayande, Esq., the Deputy Executive Director, as reported by the City of Philadelphia. These discussions anticipate a deep dive into the experiences had with policing by various faith leaders, and how this intersects with the Commission's ongoing efforts to work hand in hand with clergy and faithful for an improved citywide police-citizen relationship.
Highlighting the event is the inaugural Drum Major for Justice Award, an accolade celebrating Reverend Dr. Mark Tyler and Elder Melanie DeBouse, CPOC Commissioner, for their contributions that echo Dr. King’s dream of equity and righteousness. Reverend Carolyn C. Cavaness of the hosting Mother Bethel AME Church will round off the event with the keynote address, tapping into the civil rights icon's spiritual and social justice legacy that continues to inspire movements today.
For those seeking more information or looking to engage with the overseeing body's work, Jodie Eichel, the Social Media & Communications Officer, has been provided as a point of contact. Eichel can be reached at (215) 685-0891 or via email at [email protected], as stated by the City of Philadelphia.
