Al Sharpton and ‘Justice For All’ Conference Comes to Buffalo

With hightened tension between Police officers and members of Black & Brown communities, 250 judges, attorneys and other leaders from around the country will meet in Buffalo June 10 - 13 to improve law enforcement and police-community relations. Rev Al Sharpton will serve as keynote speaker. 

One goal of the conference is to address the perception of injustice and feelings of exclusion among communities of color.

We've all witnessed, experienced or heard about disparities when it comes to minorites in the justice system, from sentencing to the treatment of students accused of minor infractions to the effects of court decisions on voter eligibility.

A town hall meeting on the issue will be the centerpiece of “Uniting Communities: Justice for All,” the 27th annual meeting of the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts which travels around the Country annually.

Welcoming ceremonies start today June 10th at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo and panelists for the a June 11 program will include community and law enforcement leaders from Western New York and nationwide.

Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen will moderate the town hall meeting from 2:30om - 5pm on Thursday. Panelists will include Alphonso David, New York State deputy commissioner for civil rights; Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III; Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster and Buffalo Deputy Police Commissioner Kimberly L. Beaty.

“It is only through knowledge and awareness that we can defend the principles of justice for all,” said Associate Justice Rose H. Sconiers of the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court.