(ThyBlackMan.com) If one goes solely by mainstream media coverage, one would assume police/community relations in the inner city hadn’t progressed beyond the last riot! I’m typing this in New Orleans, whose police department is under a federal consent decree for severe shortfalls in several high-profile cases. I remain committed to uniting Black men and police officers, not because it’s easy, but because it’s the right thing to do!
My road to brother and badges together advocacy has been a good one, though some bumps have been found along the way. Simply because one has good intentions doesn’t mean being welcomed with open arms by all parties. Overall, individual officers and some executives have been very supportive. We realize the mutual benefit of writing new relationships in communities where none exist.
Brothers and Badges advocacy is inevitable as hostage inner citizens and harried urban officers unite against violent criminals. This union also serves as a long overdue 
counterpoint to protesters and even aggrieved stakeholders whose complaints are seen as community consensus.
The near future can see ( where political will and no small amount of courage exist ) Black men and police unions counter-protesting agitators intent upon mayhem and scapegoating. Only such a united front will show inner citizens understandably afraid to openly support police that it’s okay to stand with them.
Ultimately, I envision brothers and badges together advocates serving as an urban auxiliary for law enforcement, patrolling beside sworn officers and serving as mediators when disputes arise.
Inner city violence cannot be stopped by dependence upon police. It also can’t be stopped by demonizing law enforcement. Somewhere between the two extremes is the vital center where both sides- inner citizen and urban officer-merge into one side!
That’s the take away of brothers and badges together advocacy- it’s more than a hashtag!
It’s a historic chance to re-write public safety history by re-writing it so relationships exist, instead of a violent vacuum!
#brothersandbadgestogether, it’s as simple as reaching out in person or even online. That’s when new history can begin.
Staff Writer; Nadra Enzi
This brother is an urban security consultant, i.e. “UrbanSafetyist,” who assists businesses and events in securing themselves. Visit his UrbanSafetyism YouTube channel and blog: http://www.urbansafetyism.blogspot.com
