Officials to Listen to Race and Human Rights Issues at POSE Forum Today in Haverhill

George Floyd, a black man, died while in police custody on May 25 in Minneapolis. (Courtesy photograph.)

Local, state and federal officials are listening today to residents concerned about race and human rights in light of the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minn.

Organized by Haverhill’s Power of Self Education—known as POSE, the forum provides an opportunity for “community members to speak directly to the Haverhill Police Department, the superintendent of schools and elected officials as it pertains to race and human rights at the local level.”

“This is a listening forum, it is a time to be heard,” POSE said in a statement. The discussion is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., at Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill technology building. Opening remarks are to be delivered by POSE Co-Founder Dennis D. Everett Jr. and Jesus Ruiz of Leaving the Streets Ministry.

Officials scheduled to take part include, in order of listing, Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro, City Council President Melinda E. Barrett, Mayor James J. Fiorentini, school Superintendent Margaret Marotta, Reps. Linda Dean Campbell and Andy X. Vargas, Sen. Diana DiZoglio, Rep. Lenny Mirra, Deputy Police Chief Anthony Haugh, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, School Committee Vice Chairman Richard Rosa and Rep. Christina Minicucci.

Residents who wish to speak will have two minutes each and will be allowed into the building in groups of eight where social distancing is required. Those who cannot attend may still submit questions or statements directly to [email protected].

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