GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Dajahnae Williams says both Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson called her after she lead thousands marching through Green Bay this weekend in protest of racial injustice, support by Black Lives United Green Bay.
"You know this is little old Green Bay, people don't pay attention to us, but they are now because of our voices."
Williams said both senators focused on the goal of tackling systemic racism in the Badger State.
"Our goals is to retrain the police. Our goals are to get equity," Williams said. "Our goals are to let people know that we're here and we're tired of getting killed off."
Williams says there is a clear difference between equality and equity in the modern discussion of race relations.
"I mean we have equality," Williams says, "but equity is a big thing. Our black people are behind. We've been behind since the beginning of time, you know mostly because of these local authorities. Stuff like redlining when you're trying to buy a house, you know stuff like that. We're pushed back."
Commander Kevin Warych says the Green Bay Police Department has its work cut out for them in order to continue aligning with their community after connecting with activists at the helm of local protests.
"It's very simple: we're hiring," Commander Warych said. "We want people from the Green Bay community to apply for the police department. And as a department, one of our highest priorities other than crime reduction -- you know there's many priorities -- but high on the list, right below crime reduction and suppression, is matching the demographics of the police department to the demographics of the community."
Commander Warych also said that Chief Andrew Smith is reviewing all use of force policies.
"We are open to sharing those policies, looking for input," Commander Warych said. "Our use of force policies are governed by the state, Wisconsin Training and Standards [Bureau]. It's not Green Bay specific. So it's all law enforcement throughout the state of Wisconsin, but we want to be open and transparent. If someone has a better idea, we're open to listening to that."
Commander Warych recommends that community members interested in engaging, learning and suggesting use of force policy amendments attend an upcoming community meeting, led by the police department.
