Fort Smith university hosts discussion on human rights on MLK Day

FORT SMITH -- Some community members came together Jan. 18 for an online conversation focused on human rights.

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith hosted a panel discussion via Zoom in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event, titled "Human Rights in a Time of Crisis: A Virtual Conversation," was inspired by a quote from King: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at the time of challenge and controversy," according to a news release.

Panelists included Police Chief Danny Baker; State Rep. Jay Richardson, D-Fort Smith; Rita Howard Watkins, public defender for Sebastian County; Soniyyah "Sonna" B. Key, founder of Police and Community Engagement in Fort Smith and senior pastor of Parkway Christian Church in Springfield, Ill.; and Mayra Esquivel, an immigration activist with Arkansas Immigrant Defense in Springdale.

Paul Davis, senior pastor for St. James Missionary Baptist Church, served as moderator.

Davis' questions centered on action, compassion and passion. Concerning the first of these, the panelists were asked to share their experience promoting human rights, equality and equal justice in the work that they do.

Esquivel explained Arkansas Immigrant Defense is a nonprofit law firm that serves immigrants across the state. The organization's vision is to "promote justice by defending the rights of immigrants." It provides direct legal services to immigrants, as well as community education and advocacy.

"It's exactly what I've always wanted to do because not only are we there as paralegals," Esquivel said. "We see the different elements and needs of the clients that come to us."

Among its other activities, such as eviction defense, Arkansas Immigrant Defense provides mental health services to clients who are survivors of domestic violence and hate crimes, Esquivel said.

Watkins, a Black woman, said when she started working at the Public Defender's Office, she noticed fewer people of color compared to white people in courtrooms. This surprised her given how many people of color she saw connected to crimes in the media.

"One thing that concerned me the most was that, when somebody walks into a courtroom, and they don't have somebody there that looks like them, they don't have somebody there on the other side of the bar that will have their interests, their best interests, at heart, that hurt," Watkins said.

Watkins said she hoped people would be more accepting and understanding of people of color and the struggles they endure. She also wants people to understand she will work to make sure everyone has the same opportunities.

Regarding compassion, Davis asked the panelists what motivates them to continue to serve the needs of the people around them. He specifically asked Baker this question through the lens of what Baker previously said about the importance of the Police Department embracing the "guardian mindset versus the warrior mindset."

Baker said while the warrior mindset is necessary in specific situations, it should not "be the place that we reside in our job." In contrast, approaching the way the department polices from the lens of a guardian is key to improving its relationship with others.

"We're not an occupying army," Baker said. "We are part of the community. We have to be, and we can't do what we do without cooperation."

Richardson, who is Black, said he's motivated by family, friends and others to continue to serve. He added 22 of the 100 state representatives are Democrats.

"So the odds against us passing any Democratic policy, it's probably slim," Richardson said. "But the fact that I know that what I'm trying to do is benefiting the people of not just [District] 78, not just Fort Smith, but the people of Arkansas, that lights a fire in me to work with everybody that's there to do what's right for the people that are there."

About 150 viewers watched the online discussion.

Thomas Saccente can be reached by email at tsaccente@nwadg.com.

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