Durham pastor calls emergency meeting amid Ferguson controversy
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A local pastor says he has a sense of urgency after a fatal police shooting and riots in Ferguson, Missouri.
"Ferguson is touching me personally," said Kedrick Lowery, the Senior Pastor of Grace Church of Durham.
It is partly the reason why the former Durham County Gang Initiative Coordinator turned pastor hosted an "emergency town hall meeting."
A panel of local community leaders and teenagers shared a stage while dozens of residents listened in the audience.
Lowery said he's on a mission to encourage the community to openly discuss a variety of issues facing local youth as well as develop realistic solutions.
That would be the one point people attending his youth summit could agree on, including Durham Mayor Bill Bell.
"I just hope there are lessons learned," said Bell.
From Ferguson to risky burn challenges on social media, teens and community leaders, weighed in on several youth issues. One concerned parent said there is a need for more church involvement in her neighborhood.
"I know it's a church across the street. I've never seen them come over and try to minister to kids," she told the panel. "My question goes back to: what happened to that village? And where are the churches?"
It would be the Ferguson shooting and riots that sparked a passionate debate and a candid discussion about community and police relations, especially feelings of distrust.
"As a sociologist and as a black person, I know that there is a history of extreme policing in our community," said one panelist.
A teen audience member stood up and disagreed, pointing to personal responsibility if a person chooses to commit a crime.
"It's just too deep -- too much injustice. We're not going to be able to trust the police anytime soon," a local high school student added, admitting he is not optimistic about police and community relations.
His comments sparked a member of law enforcement to challenge him to rethink his career goals.
"I would like to tell this young man, that's why you should become a police officer," the officer said. "Then you can be part of the solution."
