DETROIT — Today, state Rep. Tenisha Yancey (D-Harper Woods) joined a group of more than 20 state representatives, public officials and community activists, among them fellow Delta Sigma Theta members Portia Robertson, C.E.O of Focus: HOPE; Kim Trent, Wayne State University Board president; and Kamilla Landrum, Executive Director of NAACP Detroit, at a press conference to support Ariel Moore and condemn the racist remarks made by Detroit Police Officer Gary Steele. Officer Steele was suspended with pay when a video of him surfaced making racist and incendiary comments to Ms. Moore, an African-American woman. In addition, Rep. Yancey also issued the following statement:
“It is more important now than ever for us to come together and stand against racism and hatred, in whatever forms it may take. Officer Steele not only failed in his duty but he damaged the sacred trust between the public and the department. As a former prosecutor, I am well aware of the tension and mistrust between the police department and my community, and it seems in large due to this type of behavior and a lack of cultural intelligence. We have a long road ahead of us to rebuild that trust.”