A Partnership to Serve the Homeless and Teach Citizens About Oversight of Local Law Enforcement
Always seeking collaborations, ACRB makes regular random cold calls to a diverse array of community groups. A call that was made in May of 2023 resulted in one of the most remarkable partnerships and biggest donations in the history of the agency when the founder of Project U First offered to share some of her donated resources to serve the homeless and teach citizens about their power to oversee local law enforcement through the ACRB. U First strives to impact the community by conducting monthly outreach events where it provides hygiene Love Bags to over 3000 men, women and children, including those in our local homeless shelters and those living without walls. Media mogul Tyler Perry was so impressed that he donated a van to Project U First. Founder Erica Wright said she was “sitting on 40,000 pairs of Bombas socks we’re trying to give away.” She delivered 2,000 socks in 2023, then another 2,000 socks and hygiene items in 2024 to ACRB which are offered to the homeless and citizens who learn about the agency during outreach events. “God gave me this blessing, and I believe that love is a gift from God,” Wright explained. “In 2014, God woke me up in a dream, and here we are, ten years later, serving the community. We do that by making sure that people have the basic essential items they need to get through their day, whether it is hand sanitizers, socks, soap, shampoo, lotion, conditioner, all the basic needs that one needs to feel dignity and get back into society.” ACRB bestowed a special honor to Ms. Wright at its annual 2023 holiday reception (see page 5). We thank Ms. Wright for her contribution and look forward to developing future partnerships in 2024.
A View From the Executive Director: Why You Should Join the ACRB
Lee Reid, ACRB Executive Director
The Atlanta Citizen Review Board (ACRB) is comprised of 15 citizens, who are just like you, committed to truth, justice, and a better community experience for all. They provide fair and transparent decisions involving citizen complaints against Atlanta police and corrections officers. Participation with the ACRB is a unique experience that provides special insight into one of the most important responsibilities of local government.
The ACRB is for you if you want to:
- Make a difference in our community – As a member of the board, your actions have a demonstrable impact on citizens and policing in our community.
- Be a part of the solution – As a member of the board, your actions will contribute to improving the quality of policing for all citizens and assist the department with its officer accountability
- Learn about officer accountability and apply your new knowledge – As a member of the board, you will learn about policing from a unique perspective and use your knowledge regularly.
- Broaden your perspective on policing and the community – As a member of the board, you will understand the challenges the community and police officers face daily.
- Meet new people – As a board member, you will meet and work with a group of diverse citizens from across the city who share your commitment to community service.
- Broaden your sense of purpose – As a board member, you will deepen your connection to the community and your desire to improve our community.
- Increase your civic responsibility – As a board member, you will not be waiting for things to improve; you will be actively involved in helping things improve.
- Expand your professional development and analytic skills – As a member of the board, you will be a part of a professional environment where factual analysis meets rational decision-making.
There are currently vacancies on our Board. If you are interested in an exciting and rewarding service to your community, consider becoming an ACRB member, please visit https://acrbgov.org/board-members/ for vacant positions.
ACRB Welcomes Dr. Conchita “Faye” Floyd, our Newest Board Member
ACRB welcomes Dr. Conchita “Faye” Floyd who was nominated to serve on the Atlanta Citizen Review Board by the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board (APAB) representing Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) M through R. She received City Council confirmation on December 4, 2023, to serve a term of three (3) years.
Dr. Floyd retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May 2016 as a Public Health Advisor and Care Ambassador. In addition to her many years in the health field, she also worked in the Fulton County School System as a substitute teacher for all grade levels and subjects at various schools within the county.
Dr. Floyd received her Doctor of Education from Argosy University, Master of Arts in Adult Education from Central Michigan University, Associates in Applied Science from Community College of the United States Air Force, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Associates in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo University. Dr. Floyd is very active in the community where she also sits on the board of the Fulton County Community Coalition.
Citizens Speak About Police Officer Accountability and the ACRB
During the ACRB Monthly (Second Wednesday) Campaign at the New Black Wall Street Market:
“I love the idea of it (civilian oversight of local law enforcement). I actually had a scenario recently with a friend. He was actually calling police for help, And just seeing how he was treated by a police officer who looked like him, nonetheless, was very interesting. So I made sure that I was there to be a form of protection and to make sure that I was providing documentation and eyes to make sure that he was okay in that scenario. So I definitely feel that (ACRB) is something that is necessary, and I think it’s great what you guys are doing.”
During the Morehouse School of Medicine Community Day in the Vine City/English Avenue Community:
“We love it (ACRB), it’s great. File a complaint and make sure we stay safe in the streets.”
During the Senior “Stream-a-thon” Event at Simpson Street Church of Christ:
“Let me tell you something. Thank you for the Atlanta Citizen Review Board looking into these (police misconduct) cases. Without you, I don’t know what we would do. And let me say this. We’re not upset with all the police officers. As a matter of fact, it’s these bad police officers that are taking the honor away from the badge and making the job hard for people that put their life on the line everyday to keep us safe. It’s the ones that break the law is the ones we want off the force or rehabilitated. So we need you and appreciate you because we are still getting attacked by police who are taking advantage of a solemn oath. Thank you for doing what you do. You make us feel safer and get us justice.”
During the SCLC/Women, Inc. 42nd annual “Gems Holiday” Senior Even:
“Awesome! There’s great information and knowledge we can learn that’s going to help us in the city.”
ACRB Teams Up to Serve Seniors and the Homeless for the Holidays
Christmas Carol Celebration 2023, Simpson Street Church of Christ, 800 Joseph E. Boone Drive NW | Presented by the Magnolia Club and powered by Georgia Power, it is an annual event attracting scores of seniors where Christmas gifts and packages to senior club members are donated by citizen givers and corporate partners. But it was much more, thanks to senior activist and organizer Tiffani Howard. There were great singers and dancers. Seniors, some of them homeless, were served great meals and engaged service vendors like the ACRB that shared vital programs and services that could improve the lives of some of the most underserved, overlooked and often disrespected members of our community. They were elated to be so honored. One of them reacted, ”This event was super great, it was very enlightening to let seniors know what’s out there for us and who’s there for us.”
Comunity Fair, Ebenezer Baptist Church (EBC) Educational Building, 407 Auburn Avenue | Kudos and thanks to the EBC and Restoring One’s Hope Atlanta for holding a series of Saturday Community Fairs in 2023 in the Old Fourth Ward specifically designed for the homeless and underserved residents. Clothes, food, free haircuts, showers and a mobile laundry mat were among the many amenities as well as service vendors like the ACRB. So many of them learned for the first time that citizens through the ACRB have oversight of Atlanta police and corrections officers. They also learned from our Integrity Street Team how to file a misconduct complaint. One of them expressed his approval saying, “Everybody needs accountability, checks and balances. Without it, we have tyranny.”
SCLC Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now (SCLC WOMEN, Inc.) Gems Holiday | The agency appreciated being included in a massive “Gems Holiday” treat for an expected 700 seniors in the Teamsters Local 728 headquarters at the Weldon B. Mathis Labor Complex on Lakewood Avenue SW. There were lots of lively entertainment, inspirational speakers, Santa, and gifts for them. There was also vital information they can use to improve their lives and security. Early on, they immediately and continuously formed a long line to the ACRB service table where they learned a great deal from our Integrity Street Team (IST) about how to file a complaint against sworn APD and Atlanta corrections officers. They all expressed their gratitude. Thanks our Integrity Street Team members, they walked away with not only nice giveaways, but also the tools they can use to file a complaint and get involved with civilian oversight of local law enforcement. Thousands of ACRB materials were passed out. For SCLC/WOMEN, Inc., it was a return to a holiday tradition. “We hadn’t had anything since 2019,” noted SCLC/WOMEN, Inc Board member and District 109 State Representative Dewey McClain. “We look forward to seeing a new day, a new vision. Hopefully that we could do some things like this, and get back to where we were…This is what Ms. Lowery (Founder, Ms. Evelyn Lowery) wanted to do, to give back to the seniors…We appreciate (ACRB) for coming out to help us.”
ACRB at the Field of Screams Spectacular in Pittman Park
ACRB and our Justice Crusader (JC) mascot (bottom photo) had a great time on Halloween night, as Atlanta Parks and Recreation (APR) partnered with the Music Education Group, Inc. (MEGI) during the 7th Annual Field of Screams Spectacular. Atlanta Public Schools also joined the fun with a Halloween Hip-Hop Literacy Festival in celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop. The young ghouls and goblins enjoyed games, free food, and face painting inside Pittman Park Recreation Center and a haunted house and fancy car show outside the center. The young students also enjoyed special games dedicated to developing fun ways for them to enjoy reading and music. Justice Crusader grew his crew of youngsters, recruiting lots of Junior Justice Crusaders (below right) to be his eyes and ears in their communities whenever they see police behaving badly. There were nothing but treats for the entire family, something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to APR and MEGI for including the ACRB in the festivities.
This is Why...
The keyword in the Atlanta Citizen Review Board is CITIZEN. The agency is only as effective as the level of citizen involvement. This is why… ACRB urges all citizens to regularly monitor, question and support its work. This is why… ACRB urges all citizens to know where your elected officials stand on civilian oversight of police and correctional officers. This is why… it is so important for citizens to be registered to vote. This is why… citizens need to join and be active in community groups; get involved in Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs); attend Public Safety meetings, Atlanta City Council meetings; ACRB KNOW YOUR RIGHTS training workshops, and become a member of the ACRB. There are currently five vacant seats, which include representatives from the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board for NPU G-L, Atlanta City Council, the Office of the Mayor, an organization representing 18-to-30-year-old youth, and the Atlanta Bar Association. Call the public comment line when the ACRB votes on issues that matter to you. ACRB’s Public Comment Line number is 404-546-7848. It is open on the second Wednesday of the month between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Your comments will be heard the next day during the monthly board meeting of the ACRB. Go to acrbgov.org for details. Thank you, citizens of Atlanta, for your continued support.
ACRB Honors the 2023 Board and Supporters at its Year-end City Hall Banquet
The annual ACRB Holiday Reception & Banquet is an end-of-year opportunity to feast on great food and for the staff to formally say thanks to our Board for their hard work and our Integrity Street Team who told the ACRB story to thousands of citizens at scores of events in 2023. It was also a time to recognize the impact of collaboration as we honored Erica Wright, Founder and CEO of Project U First with the Outstanding Public Service Award (below right photo, center) Wright gifted ACRB with 2,000 Bombas socks that the ACRB began giving away at events throughout the year. Her magnanimous gift to the ACRB was the largest single donation we received in 2023. Board member Adrianne Proeller (below left) was awarded for conducting the most outreach events in 2023. “It was a really nice event,” said Proeller, “Thanks to all who planned it!” The reception energizes the agency as we prepare for 2024. To all of our collaborators and especially the citizens we met and shared information about civilian oversight of local law enforcement, we thank you.
