Community comes together to talk about racial tension in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — Dozens of people gathered Monday night in downtown Jackson to talk about issues gripping our country and community.

The Jackson-Madison County Chapter of the NAACP hosted a special meeting to talk primarily about the tension between the black community and police.

Two panels full of community leaders, law enforcement, the mayor and civil rights leaders addressed more than 75 people at the meeting, talking about the state of our country and the city of Jackson.

Leaders discussed ways the community can communicate better as well as what they are feeling through this difficult time.

Those attending the event were also able to voice their concerns and thoughts about ways the community can come together.

“And I’m not saying that we are a perfect city, we are not. We still have a lot of work to do, but we will continue to work hard, and if we all work together in a unified way, then we are going to get some solutions on the table,” Mayor Jerry Gist said.

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News was told citizens have planned a Black Lives/All Lives Matter march for Saturday, July 23. Organizers say those participating will meet at 5:15 p.m. at St. Paul’s CME Church and the march will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Organizers say Lane College President Logan Hampton and City Councilman Johnny Dodd will serve as guest speakers.

Attendees at the meeting said they want the rally to be peaceful and focused on solutions.