I’ve seen people on social media vent frustrations over the riots, looting, and the Seattle autonomous zone called CHAZ because all of that has hijacked the message and conversation we all need to have.
The African American Community Advisory Council (AACAC) in Seattle had it out with CHAZ the other day, especially since the zone took over the police precinct.
From KOMO News:
The African American Community Advisory Council, which works with Seattle Police to facilitate discussion with officers and those they serve, came out to “CHAZ” Thursday evening in support of Chief Carmen Best. Multiple women spoke from the group, saying African Americans helped to build the precinct.“Black lives do matter but there are also black lives that are police lives,” one of the woman said at the intersection of 12th and E Pine. “They feel the same way that you do.”Throughout their attempts to convey their opinion to the crowd, they were met with boos and others grabbing microphones, talking over them.“You guys need to sit down and have a conversation with the Seattle Police Department. They want to talk to you.”Those women also stated that protest’s core belief has been lost.“The thing is, you have hijacked this! You have taken the meaning away!”Tempers flared for a few minutes before things came to an end.“Not everybody is going to have the same opinion!”
KOMO asked AACAC Chair Victoria Beach about the confrontation. She had some harsh words for Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. Remember, last night, Durkan said this zone could lead to a “summer of love!”
KOMO continued:
“We support our chief of police [Carmen Best],” said Beach. “We feel she’s been thrown under the bus. It was a cowardly move for the mayor to open up that street to all of the mayhem.”Beach compared what she’s seen at “CHAZ” to that of a festival, name dropping Burning Man, rather than a movement aimed for police reform.“We’re going to keep our voices loud and clear. We’re going to be heard,” said Beach. “How are we going to be heard if that’s happening? How are we going to come to the table and talk?”Not long after they spoke, a rolling garage door at the East Precinct rolled up and nearly two dozen officers on bikes pedaled out. They were met by chants and expletives from protesters. The remaining officers inside eventually closed the door and protesters then went to the corner of 12th and E Pike to setup an enhanced barricade to keep them out.
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