FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In an effort to foster understanding and provide critical education, the Fort Wayne Urban League launched its first ‘Breaking Bread – Stopping Bullets’ dinner forum on Thursday. The event aimed to address youth interactions with police, particularly during traffic stops, and equip young people with the knowledge they need to navigate these encounters safely.
A Conversation That Can’t Be Avoided
The discussion was part of the Urban League’s broader initiative, ‘Mothers for the Movement: Every Child Home Alive.’ The program focuses on preparing youth for police interactions by teaching them appropriate responses and emphasizing de-escalation techniques.
Aisha Arrington, president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League, explained the need for these conversations. “Sometimes we have to have hard conversations. What do you do if the police pull you over in traffic? How do you behave? What are protocols that would be acceptable?” she said.
The SSS Protocol: A Simple Guide for Police Stops
At the heart of the event was an educational video outlining the ‘SSS’ protocol—a set of guidelines developed in collaboration with the Fort Wayne Police Department. This straightforward acronym breaks down as follows:
- Stop your car, motor, and movements.
- Show your hands, ID, and respect.
- Stay put, stay calm, stay alive.
Organizers hope that by reinforcing these steps, young people will feel more prepared and less fearful if they ever find themselves in a police stop situation.
Why the Forum Matters
For many families, these discussions are already happening at home. Arrington acknowledged that in many Black and Brown households, conversations about police encounters are a necessary reality. “These protocols can assist with that conversation and better prepare our young people should they ever find themselves pulled over by the police,” she said.
By formalizing these discussions through events like ‘Breaking Bread – Stopping Bullets,’ the Urban League aims to create a safe space for dialogue, education, and ultimately, a path toward better community relations.
What’s Next?
The Fort Wayne Urban League plans to continue these forums, expanding outreach and bringing more voices into the conversation. Future events will include additional educational resources and opportunities for law enforcement and community members to engage directly.
For those who missed the forum, the full educational video is available online for viewing.
