Nelson said that protests have “been part of our country, and it’s the best way to bring about change.”
MORE ON PROTESTS
• More Butler County events being planned as protest: What leaders are saying
• How 11 Butler County officials reacted to the weekend's national George Floyd protests
But to have violence in protests, he said, does not help the messages of seeking change and one of the steps in helping heal is having more minority officers hired by departments. That would “be a tremendous help,” he said.
Michael Bailey, pastor at Faith United Church in downtown Middletown and former police chaplain, said he feels he has been profiled in the past as a black resident.
“It’s out there, I could do all the right things but this still could be my last breath,” he said.
He said the church needs to be “the lighthouse and the source of truth and the source of healing.” He added that protests allow people to be heard.
“We have a right to be angry (about) all the injustices,” he said.
About the Author
