DOJ, NAACP Meets with Community to Discuss Racial Tensions and Davis Case

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – People lined up inside of Unionville Baptist Church to partake in an open discussion and debate about law enforcement and race in the city of Macon.

“Law enforcements role is to protect the people, not kill the people,” said Edward DuBose, president of the Georgia State Conference NAACP.

The outcry of injustice comes shortly after, Bibb County District Attorney David Cooke announced that he will not press criminal charges against Macon Police officer Clayton Sutton.

“This is not over by far,” said Gwenette Westbrook, “we want justice for Mr. Davis.”

The case has stirred up a lot of controversy and concern in the community. On Saturday, the NAACP joined forces with the Department of Justice Community Relations Service in hopes to ease some of the tension. 

“We have to make sure all the police officers are abiding by the same policies and procedures,” Westbrook said.

The goal of the meeting was to create healthy dialogue about race relations across Middle Georgia. But some people worry the talk won’t turn into action.

“If we going to talk the talk, we have to walk the walk,” said Charles Wimberly, “and that’s what needs to happen.”

“If the leaders don’t come together, Macon will never be unified,” said Robert Paul.