Racial & Social Injustice in America: A Public Roundtable

In the wake of recent civil unrest, the ongoing tragedies of racial injustice, and the need for police reform, the Midpen Media Center held a virtual Public Roundtable to discuss race relations and actions that can be taken to help solve social injustice and inequality in our community. The forum was open to the public. Our intent was to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to express their reactions and experiences and to begin to imagine a new way forward.  

The evening was moderated by

Allyson Hobbs, Associate Professor of U.S. History, and Chair of the African and African-American Studies Program at Stanford
Rev. Kaloma Smith, Chair of the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission and Pastor of University AME Zion Church of Palo Alto

A panel of distinguished civic leaders and community activists provided historical perspective and commented on recent actions.  The Panelists were

Regina Wallace-Jones, Mayor of East Palo Alto
Cecilia Taylor, Mayor of Menlo Park
Adrian Fine, Mayor of Palo Alto
Albert Pardini, Chief of Police, East Palo Alto
Robert Jonsen, Chief of Police, Palo Alto
Judge LaDoris Cordell, Former Superior Court Judge, Santa Clara County
Pastor Paul Baines, St. Samuel Church of God in Christ; Co-Founder, Project WeHOPE
Illyasha Peete, Sr. Leadership Development Specialist, Center for Excellence in Nonprofits (CEN)
Ayinde Olukotun, Youth Activist
Nyla Choates, Youth Activist

The podium was then opened to the attendees to talk about personal experiences, issues around police reform, and broader contextual issues such as prejudice, education, lack of economic opportunities, etc.