ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Local and state leaders will hold a town hall Saturday in Allentown in response to a Black employee finding a noose at her desk in City Hall this month.
The “No Hate in Our State” town hall, organized by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, is scheduled for noon Saturday at POWER Interfaith, 620 Hamilton St.
The “No Hate in Our State” town hall is meant to “bridge divides and foster understanding” and be a forum for residents, activists and others to “begin the healing process.”Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in an advertisement
It’s due to feature five panelists: the Rev. Gregory Edwards, POWER Interfaith executive director; Ashleigh Strange, executive director of the governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs; and Maraleen Shields, executive director of the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness.
Also, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and Sheryl Meck, director of the PHRC’s Civil Rights Division, are expected to participate in the panel-style discussion moderated by PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter.
The “No Hate in Our State” town hall is meant to “bridge divides and foster understanding” and be a forum for residents, activists and others to “begin the healing process,” the state commission says in an advertisement for the event.
'A painful reminder'
Nelson, who represents parts of Montgomery County, joined protesters Jan. 13 outside Allentown City Hall, where he said he was “deeply dismayed but unfortunately not surprised” by reports a Black employee was targeted by hate days before.
"Acts like this have long plagued our communities and serve as a painful reminder of the work still ahead."State Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
"Acts like this have long plagued our communities and serve as a painful reminder of the work still ahead," he said.
Protesters at that demonstration called for the FBI to join the investigation; federal authorities’ involvement was confirmed two days later.
Council members are working out how to proceed with a long-running investigation into numerous claims of racism and workplace discrimination within Allentown city government.
Former FBI agent Scott Curtis’ probe is on hold after six months of work, and council could bring his probe to an end by launching a new one.
Residents can sign up, but registration is not required for the town hall in Allentown.
