Nov. 29, 2016

Maria Macon returned today with members of the Community Relations Committee’s Council of Elders to continue a discussion begun Oct. 18 about the council’s work.

Among those present was retired detective Garry McFadden, who spoke about his part-time work making contacts with the youthful individuals who were involved in street protests over the death of Keith Lamont Scott on Sept. 20. A decision was expected Wednesday from District Attorney Andrew Murray on whether to charge CMPD Officer Brentley Vinson in that shooting death.

McFadden described how youthful protestors in Charlotte and other cities where he is called in to work feel abandoned by older adults.

McFadden was profiled by the Charlotte Observer in June in connection with his role on the TV series “I Am Homicide.”

After the Forum, Macon wrote: “The Community Relations Council of Elders meets the first Wednesday of each month (except in Dec.) from 4-6 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Belmont Center, 700 Parkwood Ave., 28205, 980-216-8809.

“We function 7 days a week, upon request or as needed. Peace Walks are held monthly [in] communities selected upon request.

“Needing criminal record expunged? Register at www.faninc.org.”

The video of the Council’s presentation below begins as Maria Macon is about to let other council members introduce themselves. During the presentation, two videos were shown: one of a Charlotte City Council meeting at which Macon and others spoke on the council’s work; and a TV report broadcast by Univision in Charlotte on the council’s work with expungement, an N.C. process through which minor offenses can be removed from a person’s criminal record, thus removing a barrier to employment. Both of the videos are shown in the wall during the councii’s presentation.

The Q&A and continued commentary from council members followed the videos, at minute 34:00.