During a recent government meeting, community members expressed deep concerns over police violence and its impact on local families. One speaker, a mother and sister, shared her grief over the loss of Mike Jones, highlighting the emotional toll on the community and her personal struggles, including health issues and the potential for divorce. She emphasized the need for accountability among police officers, acknowledging the existence of good officers while condemning those who misuse their power.

The speaker also raised alarming issues regarding child welfare, recounting the case of a friend who lost custody of her six children due to alleged neglect linked to her living conditions. This situation has left the children yearning to return home, prompting calls for community support and intervention.

Additionally, the speaker addressed public health concerns, particularly the impact of environmental factors on residents, citing her daughter's recent asthma attack as a direct consequence of local conditions. She expressed frustration over the ongoing violence in the community, calling for an end to the cycle of harm.

Another participant, Acacia Reynolds, echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the sacrifices made by emergency service workers and questioning the community's response to police-related tragedies. She highlighted the disparity in how lives are valued, particularly in the context of police interactions, and called for a reassessment of the protocols that lead to the loss of life over minor infractions.

Both speakers underscored a collective desire for justice and reform, urging the community and local leaders to take meaningful action to address these pressing issues. Their testimonies reflect a broader call for change in how violence, policing, and community welfare are managed in Akron.