By Antonio Fins
The founders of the campaign, called THE IN-CROWD, say they are recruiting local elected and public officials to sign a pledge vowing to “achieve the ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity for every resident of Palm Beach County.”
An effort to promote “equal opportunity and justice” in Palm Beach County kicks off Thursday with a virtual town hall.
The founders of the campaign, called THE IN-CROWD, say they are recruiting local elected and public officials to sign a pledge vowing to “achieve the ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity for every resident of Palm Beach County.”
Among those scheduled to speak during the town hall on Zoom are U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, civic leader Rev. Dr. J.R. Thicklin and educator Deandre Poole from Florida Atlantic University.
“The whole idea is to unite the elements of the community together behind the concept of equal opportunity and equal justice for everyone in the community,” said event organizer Steve West, a Delray Beach resident who has been involved in numerous community causes.
West said it’s a lofty goal and he would understand why people might rush to conclude he is “tilting at windmills.” But he said between the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement there has been a shift in public thinking. “People who weren’t paying attention to justice issues are waking up to the idea that there is not equal justice,” he said.
Lynn University professor Robert Watson, who will moderate the Zoom meeting, said he was willing to participate “to promote grassroots politics and community-based involvement.”
THE IN-CROWD Zoom Meeting
THE IN-CROWD Leadership Conference for Justice & Opportunity will take place Thursday, Aug. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MODERATOR: Professor Dr. Robert Watson, Lynn University
PANEL:
Congressman Ted Deutch, U.S. Congress
Professor Deandre Poole, Florida Atlantic University
Dr. J.R. Thicklin, President, Palm Beach County Clergy Alliance
Tameca West, Assistant Chief, West Palm Beach Police Department
Steve West, Founder, THE IN-CROWD