Stanislaus residents share experiences with racial injustice. Over 100 at community forum

More than 100 residents braved the sweltering heat at Martin Luther King Park last Thursday t o share their experiences of racial profiling, harassment and discrimination.

The community forum, titled “Justice For All Forum — Dismantling Racism in Stanislaus County,” was hosted by SEIU Local 521, the union representing Stanislaus County workers, in collaboration with the Northern Valley Labor Federation and the ACLU of Northern California Stanislaus.

Residents of Stanislaus County shared their experiences of facing systemic racism within institutions, workplaces and in their everyday lives. Several people shared about encounters with racial profiling during traffic stops and the disproportionate number of young men of color in the justice system from an early age.

One attendee recounted workplace harassment and the lack of support from their human resources department. Another shared a distressing incident involving her Black mentally disabled son’s interaction with law enforcement, where her son was accosted by police officers. She said she later filed a police report.

In turn, community organizations presented resources and services for community members confronting discrimination. They also underscored efforts to combat injustices throughout the county.

The event included testimonials, exchanged ideas and participants’ commitments to further expand discussions. This included reaching out to additional community groups and building upon the efforts of organizations and community leaders to dismantle racial disparities across the county.

Will Kelly, executive director of the Northern Valley Labor Federation, said it was an important conversation about racial justice and fighting for equity in the region.

During the forum, he highlighted the labor movement’s longstanding commitment to advancing racial justice while acknowledging the ongoing need to learn from the community about ways to improve their efforts.

“If we ignore how our system leaves so many workers behind, we’re never going to have justice for anyone. But if we ignore racial disparities and discrimination and racism, then we’re just going to keep reproducing the same, same, same pattern, so we have to unite,” Kelly said.

Modesto Police Chief Brandon Gillespie attended the event to listen and engage with the community. He discussed the civilian review board, recognizing the ongoing need for improvement in policing practices. Gillespie also urged attendees to voice any concerns they have about police interactions.

The Bee recently reported on Modesto Police Department’s use-of-force data in which Gillespie acknowledged that the department is looking to improve its practices.

Austin Grant, a candidate for Modesto City Council, echoed the importance of the civilian review board and urged residents to participate in its meetings. He also called for more young people to drive positive change within the community.

Tom Helm from the ACLU discussed its “Know Your Rights” training and other legal aid that’s available. Catholic Charities, an organization dedicated to supporting seniors , also provided resources. California Rural Legal Assistance addressed issues related to fair housing.

Griselda Rojas, a community organizer with Faith in the Valley, noted that numerous individuals spoke about their experiences of discrimination, whether in their workplaces or within the community, based on their skin or racial stereotypes.

She said the police chief’s presence was a powerful validation of their concerns. “It takes great courage to talk about injustices and it takes even more to talk about your own injustices that you’ve dealt with and that you’ve lived,” Rojas said.

Karyn Clarke, a member of SEIU 521 and an employee of Stanislaus County, described the event as an informational session. She said attendees could find resources at the forum to assist them if they feel marginalized in areas like housing, medical services and employment.

“I learned that I was not alone. And there are other people out there that need the same thing that my neighbor needs that I need, and the county needs,” Clarke said.

She said the county has a problem with disseminating information in the neighborhoods that need it most. Looking ahead, she is optimistic that increased attendance at community discussions will sustain ongoing conversations and better educate residents about available resources.

Sign Up for Local Breaking News