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1st Town Hall Meeting On Race Relations Held At Elk Grove Pavilions

1st Town Hall Meeting On Race Relations Held At Elk Grove Pavilions

Sharie Wilson speaks at the Town Hall Meeting on October 23rd.

Noted Speakers

The City of Elk Grove and Cosumnes Community Services District held the first Town Hall Meeting on race relations on October 23 at Elk Grove Pavilions. Over 30 individuals spoke their thoughts and feelings about race relations in our community. Among the speakers were Sharie & Marcell Wilson of DreamGirls Fine Hair Imports & Salon and Starstruk Apparel, Elsie Easley, Betty Williams, the President of NAACP’s Sacramento Chapter, Dave Neves, the Principal of Elk Grove Elementary, and several high school students.

Most noteworthy, the audience was particularly moved when Elsie Easley spoke. It became obvious that she has seen a lot of racism both in and outside of Elk Grove. She told the audience that her father was murdered by the KKK on August 4, 1968. She told the story of an interracial couple that moved into Elk Grove in the 1960s.  In this incident, the African American husband got beaten up for having a white (Caucasian) wife. The perpetrators served time in a penitentiary. Elsie mentioned that Elk Grove is a lot better than it used to be.

Elsie wisely told the audience that she can’t do anything if someone hates her for the color of her skin because that is how God made her. This speech by Elsie was arguably one of the most powerful of the night. Elsie is truly an inspiration to us all.

Especially relevant, Dave Neves, the Principal of Elk Grove Elementary, mentioned that he is a “father” to 866 children. He spoke of his experiences when racial incidents happen in school. As a school educator, he encourages parents to teach their kids how to love and to curb them if their kids talk disrespectfully to others.

A  few people mentioned that a black truck had revved up and scared them as they were walking up Elk Grove Boulevard. All individuals reporting this are people of color which suggests they are being targeted.

Moving Forward

Several individuals asked if there were any new developments with regard to police follow up of several racist incidents. Since the investigations are ongoing, there are no new developments. However, the incident from September 13 with the racist note left on the door of DreamGirls Fine Hair Imports & Salon  is being investigated as a hate crime.

Overall, the meeting lasted approximately 4 hours. This Town Hall Meeting served as a way for people to talk to the community and get their feelings out about things they have experienced. No next steps have been laid out yet. The next Elk Grove Town Hall Meeting will be held Monday October 30 at 6pm at Elk Grove Pavilions.

About The Author

Dr. Jacqueline "Jax" Cheung

Dr. Jacqueline "Jax" Cheung, DrPH, MBA, is the Editor-In-Chief of Elk Grove Tribune. Jax is also the owner of the awarding winning Jax Chronicles Blog & Adoption Ministry. She enjoys freelancing for Sacramento4Kids and many other publications. She was voted Sacramento Area A-List Best Local Blogger 2014, 2015, 2017 & 2018 and Best of Elk Grove Best Blogger 2016 & 2017. In 2019 and 2022 Jax was recognized for Outstanding Service & Dedication to Elk Grove with Award of Recognition from the California State Senate. Jax lives in Elk Grove with her 2 daughters. To follow Jax's journey please like her Jax Chronicles Facebook, follow her Instagram @jaxchronicles, follow her Twitter @jaxchronicles, or check out Jax Chronicles Blog & Adoption ministry.

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