Voice of America: Najuma Smith-Pollard on Police, Racism and Change

Voice of America interviewed several black pastors, including USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement program manager Najuma Smith-Pollard, on their experiences of racism and thoughts on change in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Smith-Pollard discussed the responses from individuals and leaders in Los Angeles, including Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti’s proposed budget cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Here is an excerpt:

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti is proposing $250 million in budget cuts, including slashing up to $150 million from the Los Angeles Police Department’s budget. Garcetti said the funds should be focused on the black community and invested in jobs, health, and education.

“It is a step in the right direction; and we need to continue to work toward more transformative change in our city. I personally appreciate the mayor’s leadership in this area, as mayors of other major cities now begin to reconsider similar budget cuts,” said Smith-Pollard.

Read the full article and watch the video here.

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