Homewood trustees Tuesday commended both residents and police for their support of ongoing demonstrations in response to the death of George Floyd and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Despite the gamut of negative emotions that I and many others have experienced based upon what happened, I am truly hopeful for the future,” Trustee Karen Washington said at the June 9 village board meeting. “I am very proud of how our town has responded.”
Homewood trustees Tuesday commended both residents and police for their support of ongoing demonstrations in response to the death of George Floyd and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers has sparked a national protest movement in response to police tactics. Residents in communities across the country, including in Homewood and Flossmoor, have been marching to have their voices heard.
“Despite the gamut of negative emotions that I and many others have experienced based upon what happened, I am truly hopeful for the future,” Trustee Karen Washington said at the June 9 village board meeting. “I am very proud of how our town has responded.”
Trustee Barbara Dawkins praised the peaceful demonstrations within the village, as well as the Homewood Police Department’s handling of those protests. She compared the activity in Homewood to those that caused damage in nearby areas.
“That murder (of George Floyd) really just leaves me speechless. It’s an unspeakable, horrific act. It’s something that’s caused me to reflect upon our community and how great of a community we live in,” Dawkins said. “People from all races, ages and backgrounds have come together in unity regarding the plight of the minority community, regarding equality. I’d just like to say that we are really fortunate to live in such a great village.”
Village residents marched Tuesday, June 5, through Homewood and Flossmoor and Sunday, June 7, through Homewood, including a walk along Halsted Street, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. There was a march at Millennium Park on Saturday, a vigil on May 31 and a protest at Homewood police headquarters on June 5. A vigil is planned for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Irwin Park in Homewood.
“The recent events have just been heartbreaking but I do see a glimmer of hope seeing everybody of all different walks of life come together and demanding change. I think this is a long time coming,” Trustee Lauren Roman said. “I’m extremely proud of our community for coming together and having uncomfortable conversations and growing together. Hopefully, we can move toward progress.”
Trustee Larry Burnson was a police officer for 42 years, including as Homewood police chief.
“I was sickened when I first saw the tape, up in Minneapolis, of the murder of George Floyd,” Burnson said. “I’m so impressed with our community and how well they respond. It’s just another example of what a great community it is.”
Homewood police posted standards of conduct, training and its use of force policy on the village website. The complaint procedure for citizens is also described.
“Our police have done a great job during this crisis and I have confidence that they will in the future,” Dawkins said.
Trustee Jay Heiferman made a suggestion for intra-department investigations. Complaints are currently investigated by police personnel. He suggested complaints be forwarded to representatives of the board and the village’s Ethics Commission.
“As much respect as I have for the department, nothing is guaranteed and nothing is perfect,” he said. “There should be people outside of the department that are aware of complaints.”
The village closed down all businesses as a precaution in the early afternoon on Sunday, May 31. Village officials took that action after nearby towns experienced looting that appeared to be concurrent with widespread protests to Floyd’s death. As a precaution, the village closed businesses on Halsted Street through June 3.
“(The shutdown of village businesses) was inconvenient to some people, but what it did was allow for us to maintain our village, maintain the places where our residents get their groceries, get their cleaning supplies, get their medications. And it ensured our safety,” Dawkins said. “There were thousands of people shopping on Halsted (Street) on Sunday. All of them were safe. They might have been inconvenienced, but they were safe.”