Community Meetings To Address Shootings Launched By Commissioner Gray

A Battle Creek City Commissioner is reviving a community meeting series she started in 2016, as the city continues to see unsolved shootings taking place.

Commissioner Lynn Ward Gray says in a press release that three Can I Get a Witness? Community Meetings will be taking place this month, in cooperation with the Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker, the City of Battle Creek, and the hosting churches. Gray says that at these sessions, community members will get up to date on 2018’s shootings so far, including the murder of Joseph Bowser in March.

Attendants will also learn what it means to be a witness, and a discussion will be held regarding steps to further civic engagement. Particularly, there will be information regarding the neighborhood social media service Nextdoor, and the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program Grants, which help engage communities to reduce crime.

The following three meetings will be taking place:

Thursday, July 19 (Evening Session): 6-8pm @ New Level Sports Ministries, 400 Michigan Ave, Battle Creek

Friday, July 20 (Afternoon Session): 1-3pm @ Freedom Faith Worship Center, 485 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek

Tuesday, July 31 (Morning Session): 9-11am @ Second Missionary Baptist Church, 485 N Washington Ave, Battle Creek

Attendance is free, but you are asked to RSVP beforehand as a meal will be provided.

To RSVP and/or for more information about the Can I Get A Witness? Community Meetings, contact Commissioner Gray at (269) 830-2456 or electronically at g4bcnow@gmail.com or Kelly Dillman, BCPD Community Outreach & Engagement Liaison at (269) 966-3416 or kldillman@battlecreekmi.gov.