The Links, Incorporated And NOBLE Work for Peace Between Communities of Color and Law Enforcement Nationwide

New Orleans, LA – Two organizations are coming together to improve relations between communities of color and law enforcement.  The Links, Incorporated and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives signed a Memorandum of Understanding and will work together in this historic partnership.  Leadership representing both groups met in New Orleans, Louisiana at NOBLE’s 43rd Annual Training Conference and Exhibition.

“This program aims to change how law enforcement and our communities interact, possible saving lives,” National President of The Links, Incorporated Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard said.  She was joined in the effort by NOBLE’s Immediate Past President Vera Bumpers and newly elected NOBLE President C.J. Davis.  Both Bumpers and Davis are also members of The Links, Incorporated.  “There is important work to be done.  NOBLE is in the perfect position to help produce solutions as we continue to strive for equity in the administration of justice for all communities,” said Davis.

A key feature of the partnership is the launch of the PEACE (Police Engagement and Community Education) program.  Through PEACE, Chapters of The Links, Incorporated will engage in panel discussion, town halls and workshops as well as share educational and training materials in their communities which promote understanding and reduce police violence in their communities.  Youth, stakeholders, community groups, government officials, businesses, faith groups and civil rights organizations are also invited to take part in the programs. NOBLE is making available its resources and curriculum in the effort.  PEACE initiatives are set to begin immediately nationwide, especially in areas where there is a history tensions between people of color and law enforcement.

About The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international nonprofit corporation established in 1946. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The organization is more than 16,000 members strong with 288 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom.  Links members provide more than 1 million documented hours of community service annually — strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation.  For more information, visit linksinc.org.

About NOBLE

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) serves as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to Justice by Action. NOBLE has nearly 60 chapters and represents over 3,000 members worldwide that represent chief executive officers and command-level law enforcement officials from federal, state, county, municipal law enforcement agencies, and criminal justice practitioners. The combined fiscal budget oversight of our membership exceeds $8 billion. NOBLE serves more than 60,000 youth through its major program components which include: Mentoring, Education, Leadership Development, and Safety. For more information, visit http://noblenational.org