There is a lot of conflict between the police and the Black Lives Matter movement, but little by little, steps are being taken to narrow that gap. One police department in Santa Cruz, California is doing just that.

According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the Santa Cruz Police Department is hosting an art exhibit inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The exhibit is called “Black Lives in Santa Cruz: What Matters,” and is made up of a series of portraits and quotes by photographer Allison Garcia. Garcia was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and wanted to highlight the issues that affect the small black community in Santa Cruz.

“It was nice to actually peak in and see what other folks of color are saying about their experiences,” said 36-year-old Tremain Hedden-Jones, who is one of the people profiled in the exhibit.

After seeing the display in February, Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills asked if the department could host an exhibition. “I think in this time and place in our country, and in our city, that people can’t speak with each other without screaming, this was a good way to actually listen to what people are saying,” said Mills.

“This was an excellent idea,” said NAACP Santa Cruz County treasurer Akin Babatola, who attended the police department's exhibition opening on Monday. “Among other things, we want to continue to build the bridge. I think just the fact of their sponsorship, and just the fact of this exhibit, more than ever humanizes the police department.”

Of course the visibility is important, but some residents had valid questions regarding whether the dialogue created by the exhibit will actually lead to change.

“I think it’s great but my question is — why?” said said 59-year-old Elaine Johnson, who is black. “It’s easy for people to interview us, but … once this comes down, then what?”

Photo: GIPHY

Visitors and residents can check out the exhibit at the Community Room in the Santa Cruz Police Department, 155 Center Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 12.

So our question is, if this police department can take a step forward in supporting BLM, how about everyone else?

Photo: GIPHY

Santa Cruz Police Department

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