Fort Worth PD draws awareness to Shop Talk program on first day of Black History Month

Every year, since 1976, February has been designated as Black History Month by American presidents. Each year, a specific theme is endorsed. This year, the theme is "African Americans and the Arts". It explores the significant influence that African Americans have had in various fields such as visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, and other forms of cultural expression.
Each year on February 1st, our country honors the contributions and legacy of African Americans throughout US history and society. To kick off the celebration, we are bringing awareness to Shop Talk, an evidence-based community engagement program designed to bridge the gap between the police and the community. For several years, the Fort Worth Police Department has partnered with area non-profit organization, One CommunityUSA, and several barbershops to facilitate open and honest conversations in an environment where community members feel comfortable to have their voices heard.
Shop Talk allows people from all walks of life to express themselves and aims to improve mutual trust and communication between business owners, and police, primarily located in underserved neighborhoods. Local barbershops are ideal places for police to connect with African American communities because traditionally, inside those walls, nothing is off-limits to talk about. Additionally, the Faded Blue Lounge barbershop in South Fort Worth showcases art on the walls featuring African American presidents, athletes, and community leaders. It is an aesthetically pleasing place where youth are surrounded by influential pillars in our communities and can be inspired by art that features strong African American leaders.
Historically, it is rare to see artwork displayed in a barbershop or to have police officers visit the shop. But with Shop Talk, that rarity is becoming the norm. Therefore, when you see a Fort Worth police officer inspiring the youth or being inspired by artwork inside a local barbershop, the sky is the limit for what the community can become.
Community outreach programs like Shop Talk are just one of many resources the Fort Worth Police Department provides to strengthen the relationship between our community and law enforcement.