Unmasked: The Turning Point?

Join our reflection on the impact of the George Floyd incident, one year later.

Although there have been countless Black lives lost at the hands of police, the case of George Floyd broke ground in its initial impact on media, politics and social justice. Years of highly documented police violence heightened by a global pandemic sparked an unparalleled global response to the crisis of police relations with the Black community. Companies that felt pressured to issue surface-level solidarity statements, marketing tactics that were disguised as inclusion, and a highly-publicized trial that historically convicted one officer for murder all beg the question: what is the real impact? Has this era of social media and amplified digital access done more to help educate the masses or desensitize many into tuning out a fatally pressing issue?

On the first year anniversary of his murder, we provide a retrospective analysis on the ways George Floyd was a catalyst in this complex fight. Moderated by Ohavia Phillips, we invite esteemed activists and scholars to discuss the meaning of progress against police brutality and social unrest in this unprecedented age, noting its current effects on our community and how it has provided tools for both hindrance and growth.

This program is free to view and open to the public. Visit the the Center's YouTube channel or Facebook page to view this conversation on Tuesday, May 25.

Moderator

From Charlotte, NC, by way of Brooklyn, NY, Ohavia ("Oh") Phillips, is one of a kind! Ohavia is actively involved in all things media, as a digital content creator, speaker and emcee around the city of Charlotte. She’s also a thriving talk show host of her self-created show, The Oh Show. Ohavia says she loves people and connecting with #OHMAZING and impactful individuals to impact communities. When you see her you'll be sure to get big energy, a hug and a milly rock!

Panelists

Danielle Brown is the Black Voters Matter NC State Coordinator; A. Philip Randolph Institute Organizer; and Founder of IMPAXT Inc., which is an organization that teaches children to utilize their voting potential at a young age. Its mission is to build political leaders and advocates. She has worked with various labor unions, community and grassroots organizations on various campaigns to ensure that the mission and needs of the people, no matter who, are met. She is an organizer by trade and a strong leader at heart. She works tirelessly to make sure that the issues of her people are heard and addressed.

Greg Jackson, an adopted Charlottean and father of 3 girls, was a rapper and a sous chef when the September protests began. He showed up with others to protest the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at its headquarters the day after the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. A crucial conversation that day changed his trajectory – eventually, he found the non-profit Heal Charlotte, helped train officers to communicate with the community in volatile situations, created an after-school camp for at-risk youth in his northeast Charlotte neighborhood of Orchard Trace Condominiums, and revitalizing the area with a holistic approach to the family unit. Serving the community and being a bridge of communication between the community and its officials is what drives him. In his words "If everybody did a little, no one will have to do a lot".