Community Leaders Discuss Next Steps In Freddie Gray Investigation
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In the days following Freddie Gray's death, there have been a number of demonstrations with people looking for answers and justice.
Marcus Washington has more on what community leaders are saying should be the next steps.
It's been more than a week since Freddie Gray's arrest and several days since his death. In the midst of protests, everyone from the mayor to the community is looking for answers.
"There is hope as long as there is something to hope for," said one.
WJZ asked West Baltimore community leaders to get together to discuss potential solutions.
Washington: "I know we've seen situations like this in Ferguson, Cleveland and New York City. What is needed here, now, in Baltimore to keep things peaceful and get the justice people in the community want?"
"At a simple perspective, it's just allowing the community to be part of the process and providing the information we can provide to ensure that they understand that the authorities and the officials are doing all that they can do to ensure justice is served," said Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby.
View Tuesday's Protest:
Click here for the latest on the investigation into Freddie Gray's death.
The conversation focused on what's next for a community dealing with the decades-long issue of not trusting police.
"You call 911 on your next door neighbor's son for being on the corner and he ends up dead in the ambulance...you feel a certain way where you don't want to bring Baltimore policing in your own area," said Ray Kelley, No Boundaries.
Speaking with the community leaders, they say change doesn't happen instantly, but it does begin with a vote.
"You have to take that anger and frustrations into action, as related to political process," said Mosby. "voting, as it relates to City Hall, Annapolis and the White House and they understand and know [the community's] needs."
"Justice is not just convicting the officers or getting a settlement for Brother Gray's family or anything like that. Justice is changing the policies and creating the legislation so we don't have to go through this every time there is this type of situation," Kelley said.
"Come together and pray and ask God for healing and especially the family," said Rev. Keith Bailey, Fulton Heights Community Association. "The family needs that."
"We're talking about everybody really coming together and really addressing the decades-old issue. It's not just a Baltimore problem; it's an urban issue problem," Mosby said.
Stay with WJZ for updates on this developing story.
