A group of religious leaders gathered in Jacksonville Monday to list a set of demands in response to the killing of Georgia Floyd and Amaud Arbery.
During the press conference, they demanded that a Citizens Review Board be established in an effort to foster trust and accountability between the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the community.
They also asked that the mayor and sheriff make a formal statement strongly condemning the actions of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd and implement cultural sensitivity training for JSO officers.
They also want a review of the matters that led to the detainment and arrest of Minister Delanie Smith and the release of bodycam footage related to the death of 22-year-old Jamee Johnson.
"There are matters in our city that need to be addressed by our leadership and our citizens," read a letter addressed to city leaders Monday. "We urge our city officials and civic leaders to take the necessary steps to heal the racial divide, and ensure equal protection under the law for all of our citizens."
Individuals present at the press conference included:
- Pastor H.B. Charles, Senior Pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church
- Dr. Eugene W. Diamond, Senior Pastor of Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church
- Dr. Mark L. Griffin, Senior Pastor of Wayman Temple A.M.E. Church
- Bishop John E. Guns, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
- Bishop Terry Hill, Jr., Senior Pastor of The Citadel Church
- Bishop Arthur T. Jones, Senior Pastor of All People International Church
- Pastor Christopher McKee, Senior Pastor of The Church of Oakland
- Pastor Tan Moss, Senior Pastor of Greater Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church
- Dr. John Allen Newman, Senior Pastor of The Sanctuary at Mount Calvary
- Dr. Jeffrey K. Rumlin, Senior Pastor of Dayspring Baptist Church
- Bishop Leofric W. Thomas, Sr., Senior Pastor of Open Arms Christian Fellowship
- Dr. Gary L. Williams, Senior Pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church
- Dr. Landon L. Williams, Sr., Senior Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
- Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Senior Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church
- Pastor Brian Campbell, Executive Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
- Pastor Ardel Jones, Executive Pastor of All People International Church