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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department Director Kendrick Vann appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Brame and Vann discussed Sunday’s rally/walk through downtown Henderson, a response, in part, to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died during an incident with law enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.
With an estimated 30-40 rally participants, primarily young people and community leaders, both men expressed their gratitude that the event remained peaceful.
“It went very well on Sunday,” said Brame. “People came together to protest in an orderly fashion. There was no name-calling, no one got out of hand and no one tried to block the street. It was just a great rapport.”
Vann agreed, “Everything went really, really well. I’m truly proud of the young men and women that came out for this great cause. It’s very rare that you have people between the ages of 17 and 25 that stand up for something and have a purpose.”
Vann said the biggest takeaway of the day was the thoughtful conversations and the knowledge gained.
“Participants got an education between myself, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, the Henderson City Council members, Rev. John Miles and others,” stated Vann. “They learned a lot about the process of doing things the right way. We also talked about the history of Vance County and downtown Henderson, why the community was named what it was named and the importance of knowing where your City and County offices are located. These young adults didn’t know that information, but they were excited to learn more.”
Sheriff Brame said what was most important to participants is that law enforcement and community leaders took the time to listen. “We cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we need to be there to communicate and listen,” Brame explained. “All people want us to do is hear them out, to be patient and listen to them.”
Addressing a recent press release issued by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and posted to WIZS.com (click here for full statement), Brame agreed that the officer in the Floyd incident acted “inexcusably” and his actions were “totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.”
Brame said he believes the respect for law enforcement in Vance County, and the respect law enforcement shows the community, is in a good place right now, and he doesn’t want to see that damaged.
“I had a young man come up to talk to me in my vehicle at the protest,” said Brame. “He didn’t understand the presence of law enforcement at the event. I explained to him that we don’t want what has happened in surrounding areas such as Raleigh and Charlotte to happen in Vance County. It took us a long time to build up what we have. Why would we tear it down?”
Vann reminded listeners that law enforcement is vital to a successful, thriving community. “Law enforcement is here for a reason and we’ve got to trust the system. Some people have bad experiences of working with the system and don’t have the whole story; that’s what makes it a sensitive topic.”
By working collaboratively, Vann said the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department are improving community relations.
“I think Sheriff Brame and Chief Barrow – one being African-American and the other being Caucasian – do a great job of working together to minimize a lot of things,” Vann said. “People in the community have to hold officers and deputies accountable. If you see someone doing something wrong, don’t blow it off. These two great men leading these departments can’t see or be everywhere. We have to tell them so that we can help prevent things from happening. We as a community need to be accountable for what goes on in our own community. That’s what I believe, and that’s why I was there on Sunday.”
Brame echoed Barrow’s request on yesterday’s Town Talk episode asking anyone that wants to hold a rally or protest in Henderson or Vance County to go through the proper channels by contacting the sheriff’s office or police department first.
To hear the interview with Brame and Vann in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.