South Bend Hosts Panel On Policing, Minority Inequality

A public forum in South Bend Sunday night focused on how deep-rooted issues related to policing, poverty, and education are hitting minority communities. Much of the discussion revolved around ideas to improve the historic lack of trust between minorities and the police. 

The conversation was prompted by the police shooting of Eric Logan, but the discussion focused on broader issues of inequality. Many of the panelists agreed the city should be intentional about welcoming and including diverse voices in local government processes. 

South Bend City Clerk Kareemah Fowler hosted the event. She says she understands minority communities are upset about systemic issues beyond the shooting of Eric Logan. But, she adds, community members need to do their part. 

“Show up," she says. "Showing up is half the battle. We have council meetings, committee meetings, all of our Board of Public Works ... people aren’t showing up.”

Fowler says this will be the first of many open discussions and that future ones will include topics like mental health and healthcare.