John,

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important and necessary to reflect on the tremendous contributions that Black Americans have made to our society. From the arts and sciences to civic engagement and the fight for equal opportunities, Black Americans have enriched our country in countless ways. At the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, we are proud to stand with our Black speakers in policing and all areas of the criminal justice system, who embody the best of what it means to serve their communities.

Our Black speakers are dedicated to the principles of community policing, and work tirelessly to build trust and positive relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve. They understand the unique challenges facing their communities, including the disproportionate impact the justice system has had on those communities. All  LEAP speakers are justice system professionals who are passionate about creating safer, more inclusive neighborhoods and building a system that prioritizes community health and safety.

We recognize that racial justice is a critical issue facing our country, particularly in the field of policing, and we are committed to promoting equity and opportunity for all Americans. We believe that the impressive contributions of our Black speakers are an essential part of this effort, and we are proud to work together on this critical issue.

As an organization, we know that it is important to honor the contributions of all Americans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. Our Black speakers in policing are an integral part of our community, and we are grateful for the many ways in which they serve our neighborhoods and make a positive impact on the lives of so many people.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission, and for standing with us as we work to build a better future for all Americans.

In solidarity,
The LEAP Team

LEAP Speakers Address Issues Proven to Disproportionately Impact Black Communities.

Speaker Detective Deborah B. Ramsey (Ret.) summed up her experience as a community policing officer in Baltimore, MD, "the sharing of the authority and power bestowed upon me laid the solid foundation of sustainable relationships and mutual respect between citizens and the badge I wore. Thus, a vested interest in one another's welfare and care emerged."

Speaker Chief Deputy U.S Marshal Matthew Fogg (Ret.), believes "a solution to preventing police abuse is to protect whistleblowing police officers who point out rogue colleagues." Dr. Fogg pursues meaningful police accountability measures at the state and federal levels.

LEAP Board Chair Deputy Chief Wayne Harris (Ret.) "I strongly encourage our lawmakers to seek more just and more meaningful solutions to the challenges facing policing in America — solutions that do not further exacerbate the division and distrust that exists between our communities — especially our communities of color — and policing in America."

Former LEAP Executive Director, Major Neill Franklin (Ret.) "It is in everyone’s interest to find a way forward, reconciling the past by acknowledging challenges and failures on both sides. Instead of seeing our fellow Americans as the enemy, we all have to ask ourselves, “What can we do better?”