Police and patrons sharing supper

by Makalyn Kowalik
Op.Ed.

Despite another act of violence happening in Baton Rouge, hundreds of Wichitans came together with their local police to discuss ideas to work together as a community over a plate of classic and steaming barbecue.

Earlier that week protesters had planned to march on Sunday, but after they took some time to meet with Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, all parties agreed that the same goal could be accomplished while sharing a meal.

Since it seems like there has been nothing but division in the country as of late, especially between the police and the citizens they protect, this coming together of a community was something that made most go, “Wait, really?”

But yes, this actually happened, and a lot was accomplished. One of the tables was occupied by three men - one black, one Hispanic and one white. This trio sat with burgers next to Lt. Travis Rakestraw to share their ideas about recent events.

It was the first time since 1992 that the black man Jarvis Scott said he’d sat down with a police officer. Both other men said it was their first time to ever sit down with an officer. All three men said they were surprised to hear that Rakestraw seemed to care about what they were discussing and that not only him but other officers had thought about the same issues.

They all said that they were planning on still marching.

While he had no complaints about the Wichita protest last week that was nonviolent, Rakestraw said that from a police officer’s perspective, a conversation rather than a march felt more productive than many of the protests he’s seen across the nation. He says this is so because these protests are based on confrontation rather than communication.

Many praised Chief Ramsay for holding the event, and several audience members said that in all their years in Wichita, they couldn’t remember a police chief working so hard to bring a community together while at the same time listening to their concerns.

The event continued throughout the day and brought many out, for if nothing else, the great food.

Since this barbecue came after such a violent attack on police officers in not only Baton Rouge but also Dallas, that in total left 8 officers dead, having such a peaceful and inclusive event is something to be praised.

The Gayly - 7/18/2016 @ 11:44 a.m. CDT