HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As we approach the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth in 2025, the conversation around equity and justice in America continues to evolve. This year marks four years since Juneteenth became a national holiday, but the commemoration of emancipation has roots dating back to 1865 when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston.
In light of this significant milestone, ABC13’s Brandon Hamilton engaged a panel of esteemed experts to discuss the state of equity and the paths forward for communities of color, reflecting on a historical and modern context.
The panel featured Sharon Fletcher, Executive Director of Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy; Major Kimberly Smith from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Vera Bumpers, former president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and former METRO police chief; and Dan Potter, Director of the Houston Population Research Center, Kinder Institute.
Throughout the discussion, the group explored critical questions about moving forward as one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, while also addressing the contentious topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Sharon Fletcher emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sharing the narratives and experiences that come from diverse communities. “I hate people have made DEI such a dirty word. It’s getting people to understand and be inclusive in our thoughts and measures,” said Fletcher. “Diversity is important because we’re able to share these stories and these moments that come from our various communities. We don’t all look alike. Our journeys are not the same, but does that mean that there’s not value in those journeys, or in those moments, or in those communities?”
Fletcher elaborated on the need for equity, stating, “Equity ensures that there’s opportunity for all. Not that it’s meritless, but it’s merit-based opportunity that’s there.”
The panel discussion also touched upon policing dynamics in America since the death of George Floyd. A recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center revealed that more than half of U.S. adults (54%) believe the police-Black community relationship remains unchanged since Floyd’s death. Meanwhile, a third (33%) feel it has worsened.
Major Kimberly Smith expressed disheartenment over the prevailing negative feelings toward law enforcement. “It’s disheartening to hear in this day and age that we are still having those negative feelings toward law enforcement. Law enforcement is here to help, and that is one of the reasons why we have so many community outreach programs,” Smith stated.
She emphasized the necessity for community members to feel seen and treated fairly in their encounters with law enforcement. “I want them to know they are seen. We are compassionate. It’s important for officers to demonstrate that compassion, but at the same time, I have a job to do,” Smith explained. “I want them to know their situation or case will be handled accordingly, but they will be treated fairly more than anything.”
Smith highlighted the importance of a diverse law enforcement workforce and the implementation of a duty to intervene policy in her department, accompanied by mandatory retraining every two years for deputies and detention officers.
Vera Bumpers echoed Smith’s sentiments regarding the necessity of respect in law enforcement. “Leadership has to set the tone and the expectation that we will treat everybody with respect, regardless of what they’ve done, regardless of who they are,” she said. During her tenure, Bumpers made it a priority to exceed mandated training requirements, emphasizing that training must be coupled with effective implementation, or it becomes meaningless.
The dialogue that day also focused on crime victims’ experiences and their reporting behavior. A survey conducted by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research in the summer of 2023 surveyed about 5,000 residents in Houston and Harris County. It revealed that 73% of participants had reported their experiences of crime or harassment to someone, while 27% did not.
Of those who chose not to report, 66% cited a lack of belief that action would be taken, and 24% expressed distrust in the police.
Economic disparities were another significant topic of discussion. Fletcher pointed out the challenges that arise from economic inequality in Black communities, particularly in gentrification scenarios. “We’ve seen that happen in Black communities across the nation. There’s always a freeway coming through. Our communities are the first ones that are subject to these things,” Fletcher noted.
She contrasted the experiences of affluent communities, which often successfully resist disruptive developments. “You go into more affluent communities, they’re able to fight it. You don’t get the freeway. You don’t get the rail. But when you look at Black communities historically, it has happened,” Fletcher elaborated, citing examples from Houston’s Freedmen’s Town and other historic Black settlements.
Dan Potter highlighted how economic disparities manifest in neighborhood amenities and resources.
image source from：abc13
