Full Notification

The Arlington Police Department is pleased to announce a video screening and moderated discussion of Waking in Oak Creek, a video produced by “Not In Our Town”, a movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all. This is a national program supported by the Department of Justice and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Civil Rights Committee. This session will be hosted by the Arlington Police Department in conjunction with the University of Texas at Arlington Criminal Justice Department. Please mark your calendars now and save the date. There is no registration requirements or fees to attend. Our desire is to promote positive dialogue surrounding race and racial reconciliation and support our other initiatives and ongoing efforts to make Arlington stronger.

Event Details:
• Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the University of Texas at Arlington – Lone Star Auditorium (Located inside the Maverick Activities Center)
• A 32-minute video screening of Waking in Oak Creek followed by a moderated panel discussion and opportunities for attendees to ask questions
• Panel members include Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson and representatives from LULAC, NAACP and our local Islamic Coalition
• The moderator is UT-Arlington Criminology Professor, Dr. Jaya Davis

Synopsis of Waking in Oak Creek: As the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Wisconsin prepares for Sunday prayers, a deadly hate attack shatters their lives, but not their resilience. After six worshipers are killed by a white supremacist, the local community finds inspiration in the Sikh tradition of forgiveness and faith. Lieutenant Murphy, shot 15 times in the attack, joins the mayor and police chief as they forge new bonds with the Sikh community. Young temple members, still grieving, emerge as leaders in the quest to end the violence. In the year following the tragedy, thousands gather for vigils and community events to honor the victims and seek connection. Together, a community rocked by hate is awakened and transformed by the Sikh spirit of relentless optimism.

This film was produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office as part of the Not In Our Town: Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative

For more information, please contact Arlington Police Department’s Community Support Division at 817-459-5725.