PRINT ARTICLE

Print    Close This Window
"Justice For All Crucial Community Conversation", 6/6/20
 
On Saturday, June 6, at 10am, in the former RISD IT building the event, “Justice For All Crucial Community Conversation”, was hosted by Superintendent Bart Flener and Russellville Independent Schools.  It was live on RISD Facebook and WRUS 610 AM.  The Host and Moderator was Chris McGinnis.  The day began at 8am with breakfast provided by Roy’s BBQ, then planning, and then the individual speakers.  The speakers and their topics are listed.  Community Representative, Mrs. Marie Gamble began the program, speaking on “The Power of Words”.  Russellville Independent Schools Faculty Member, Coach Mikie Benton, followed with the topic of “One of the Good Ones - Implicit Bias”.  Faith-Based Representative, Pastor of The Point Church, Muryd Scipio, shared “As American as Apple Pie”.  “How Institutions Failed the Black Community” was presented by Charles Neblett, with Community Projects Incorporated.  Russellville Independent Schools Administrator, Mrs. Robin Cornelius, spoke on “White Privilege vs. Structural Racism”.  Chaun Cheaney, Russellville Independent Schools rising Senior, shared, “Where Do I Fit In?”  RHS Alumnus (Class of 2019), Morgan Todd, shared a Special Announcement and Invitation.  Following these speakers, there was a time for Panel Q & A and discussion, Next steps, and the conclusion.  Those in attendance were:  Logan County Judge Executive, Logan Chick; Logan County Sheriff, Stephen Stratton; Russellville Mayor, Mark Stratton; Russellville Police Department Representative, Randy Hargus (Russellville Schools SRO); Logan County Schools Board Member or Designee, Caycee Spears; Logan County Schools Superintendent, Paul Mullins; Logan County Schools Student, Lindsey Brinkley; Russellville Independent Schools Board Member, Lovis Patterson; Russellville Independent Schools Superintendent, Bart Flener; Russellville Independent Schools Student, Chaun Cheaney; Russellville Independent Schools Administrator, Robin Cornelius; Community Representative, Marie Gamble; Faith-Based Representative (The Point Church), Muryd Scipio; Community Projects Incorporated, Charles Neblett; (SEEK) Struggle for Emancipation & Equality in KY, Micheal Morrow; RHS Alumnus (Class of 2019), Morgan Todd; RHS Alumnus (Class of 2017), Pedro Bradshaw; Russellville Independent Schools Faculty Member, Mikie Benton; and Russellville Independent Schools English Language Family Liaison, Eunice Arevalo.  RISD Superintendent, Bart Flener, stated he was very excited to host this “Justice For All Crucial Community Conversation” event and is grateful for all the panelists that were so willing to participate in this open, meaningful, and vital discussion.  RMS Principal, Mr. Cameron Jackson stated this has been a powerful intentional conversation about actions for cultural change with leaders in the Russellville community.  RISD Board member, Davonna Page, said, “These are emotional times.  Today an amazing conversation took place among members of the Russellville/Logan Co. community that was powerful.  Going forward, I will listen, and I will be looking/listening for implicit bias and will correct it when I see/hear it.”