We are in a crisis in Indianola when it comes to gun violence.
Two weekends ago, our community was devastated over the sudden loss of three young black males at the age of 19 years old each.
Gun violence has been an issue for the city of Indianola, and it doesn’t appear to be getting better. We seem to have no answers. Over the past seven years, we have lost several citizens to gun violence. This should not be the norm.
There are about seventy black churches and yet it is difficult for the Pastors and Ministers to get involved in city and county government. Attending the city and county meetings would enlighten them as to what is taking place in their city. Pastors are servants and must come from behind the four walls of their church to reach their communities and the people they serve. If we don’t get involved, nothing will happen.
We must demand changes in our police department because of limited resources/officers. There should be an outcry like never before over this violence.
We have unsolved homicides and families left to grapple with the grief of their loved ones with no closure.
We hired a new Chief of Police to bring stability within the Police Department and to provide an avenue to hire new officers. We have new police vehicles to patrol the city and still can’t hire new officers. We must attract and compensate our police officers.
The Chief of Police has received most of what he has asked for to protect the city, although he has not produced any results. The Police Chief must have a vested interest in the community in which he serves and protects.
You must also communicate with the citizens if you want to gain their trust. If people trust you, they will confide in you. In retrospect, he needs to live in the city of Indianola. In my opinion, if he doesn’t want to live here, he should pass the torch to someone who lives here and is qualified to do the job.
Last month, the NAACP hosted the Federal Bureau of Investigation at the B.B. King Museum but no one from the police department, Mayor’s office, or Board of Aldermen attended to support the cause.
There were people from as far as Arkansas and Louisiana that attended. Washington, Humphreys, Leflore and Bolivar counties had representation as well. Thanks to our Sheriff James Haywood for his attendance and other city officials from Sunflower County.
May the God of Peace grant us His Peace and Heal our Community.
Charles Modley
