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Wilson councilman a member of racial equity task force

Earlier this year, Governor Roy Cooper formed a task force to look at racial equity in criminal justice.

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By
Indira Eskieva
, WRAL Eastern NC reporter

Earlier this year, Gov. Roy Cooper formed a task force to look at racial equity in criminal justice.

More recently, the League of Municipalities formed their own group to find ways that cities and towns can address systematic racism at the local level.

Wilson council member Dr. Michael Bell was invited as one of 14 task force members.

"For too long we have just brushed it aside," said Bell about laws permitting racial inequalities, "Now is the time, and we are in a pivotal time, to make those decisions."

The council member was elected to his seat in 2015. Originally from Jamaica, Bell is also the Presiding Elder of the Wilson District A.M.E. Zion Church.

His latest endeavor is speaking up for Black Americans living in Eastern North Carolina.

"We are sitting on a time bomb when it comes to race relations. If we don’t do something about it, it will erupt," he said.

Bell said the top issues he wants to address are criminal justice reform, affordable housing and employment opportunities in predominately Black neighborhoods.

He added that it begins by taking a close look at the laws already in place.

"Small towns and leaders can look at their laws, what they already have in place, and say, ‘OK, this don’t make sense. This was written in 1932. Let’s get rid of it,'" Bell said.

He also said that he wants to decriminalize marijuana.

"Most of the time it’s the minority who are locked up for marijuana." said Bell, "This would curb locking up a whole lot of people."

The task force is still young. It had its first meeting in November. The group hopes to meet until spring, when it will make recommendations for cities and towns to address racial inequalities.

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