The Wichita, Kansas, community came together on Sunday to forge a closer relationship amid a string of recent tragedies.
Initially, Black Lives Matter protesters had planned a march on Sunday, but after organizers met with Police Chief Gordon Ramsay for several hours, they decided to have a community cookout to “break bread” together instead, according to a Facebook post by the Wichita Eagle.
They called the event “First Steps Community Cookout,” and officers from police, sheriff, and highway patrol joined in the festivities at McAdams Park—eating, dancing, and playing games with the public.
Chief Ramsay spoke at the event and said his department is looking at taking three specific steps to improve the way police operate, via a Facebook Live video. First, was to support the use of an external review of police shootings by an external prosecutor. Second, the department will increase transparency around complaints and allow for civilian review and training recommendations. Third, is to have cultural competency and diversity training.
