News

Actions

WATCH: KC faith leaders and congregations pray for unity

Posted at 5:22 AM, Jul 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-11 06:22:49-04

Faith leaders and their congregations came together Sunday on the city's east side to pray.  

In the gym at KCPD's east patrol, all walks of life bowed their heads to heal and comfort each other after a tough week.

They prayed for unity following the events in Louisiana, Minnesota and Texas.

Among the families, ministers and politicians, KCPD Chief Darryl Forté made his first public appearance since the Thursday night ambush in Dallas that killed five officers.

"I own where we are as an organization. I'm not going to blame anyone else, there's a lot of things we can do differently," Chief Forte said.

He pointed out what's really necessary.

"We are just going be real today. A lot of times when you talk about the black males being shot out there, it's inaccurate perception. Someone reaches for a phone or things like that -- that is unreasonable fear from us, so we have to train better," Chief Forté said.

His message was reassuring to Rachel Brimm, a Johnson County mother who is raising bi-racial children.

"I have a black family and a white family, so it's really important for me to bring three of those together and really make a stand for what's right and for life and for unity and for acceptance," Brimm said.

It's been tough for her to explain the violence to her 9-year-old daughter, Amaya.

"It makes me very sad and uncomfortable," Amaya Brimm said. "I want the world to be fixed."

Something Lawanda Davis, founder of Diamonds in the Rough-KC, has been trying to do for the last 25 years since her son was gunned down.

Her son's killer was never caught.

"I'm here to try and help my city because I’m tired, I can't take it anymore, I really can't. Every time another young man is killed, my wounds are open and salt is just poured on my wounds from the hurt," Davis said.

Chief Forté said he wants to increase diversity among the ranks within the department to reflect the community they serve but it requires a policy change.

The change will be up for public discussion at KCPD headquarters on Aug. 30.

-------

Follow 41 Action News on Twitter:

Follow @41ActionNews

Like 41 Action News on Facebook: