Impact Church Set To Host Community Forum To Address Race Relations

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. - July 13, 2016 - PRLog -- The recent killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile has caused a deep and unspeakable pain within the African­American community. On Friday, July 15, 2016 at 7:45PM, Impact Church (located at 1253 New Market Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080) will be hosting a community forum to address the state of race relations in America, but particularly within the state of New Jersey. At this open forum, the community will come together to find practical solutions on how to end racial tensions between police and the community they serve. With a panel of law enforcement and city officials present, residents will have the chance to express their feelings and have their concerns addressed in a peaceful and productive environment about the everyday problems that policing and gun violence present.

"Now is a season of thoughtful and intentional action. A season where the Lord has given us greater focus to make a Christ­impact in the world, in our region and particularly in the State of New Jersey. Together we must be leaders of social justice and systematic change for the benefit of all Americans. The racial problems we have in America are real. Until America, as a whole, embraces this issue as an American issue, we will continue to struggle," said De'Andre Salter, Lead Pastor at Impact Church in South Plainfield, NJ.

In light of recent events, many are left with unanswered questions and an overall sense of hopelessness. The conversations that are taking place amongst colleagues and each other, although very thought­provoking, lack the power to create systematic change. The purpose of this forum is to move beyond the conversation in pursuit of action. Those in attendance will not only have an opportunity to vocalize their concerns, but will also walk away with practical solutions to assist in building relations between local law enforcement and the community. As such, we will be whiteboarding solutions to proactively help bridge the gap between city officials, law enforcement, and community members at large.