Pilot Conversations are coming soon! We've set the date (April 12, 2008). And we are in the process of contacting individuals and groups in the area who hold a stake in the police/community relationship in the South Bronx. There's a growing interest in the pilot conversation right now. There have been tensions in youth/police relations while at the same time, there are signs of hope that conversations can make a difference.

Last year our South Bronx coalition did two "mini Conversations" between members of the initial coalition (mostly Walker Memorial Church members) and the police. Those "mini Conversations" were extremely impactful.

Over the past three months, Derrick Boykin and the youth of Walker Memorial Church have taken major strides in the process of developing trust and relationship with the police of the 44th Precinct, located on the same block as the church. The police attended a service at the church and participated in a basketball tournament with the youth!

The problems are complex and deep, but there is rising hope that change is possible as we consider the impact of conversations designed to lead to change.