Members of the local branch of the NACCP and family members of Honestie Hodges in front of city hall/John Rothwell
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Leaders of the Greater Grand Rapids Branch of the NAACP and family members of 11-year-old Honestie Hodges gathered on Calder Plaza in front of City Hall Tuesday morning. The supporters are asking that Grand Rapids Police Department conduct a full internal investigation, collaborate with the officers’ union, an immediate release all body-camera footage within the next 12 to 24 hours and provide counseling to Hodges and her mother at the city’s expense.
11 year old Honestie Hodges
These demands are in response to police actions stemming from the handling of Hodges. She was detained during a December 6th incident when Grand Rapids Police officers handcuffed the 11-year-old black girl, placing her in the back of a police car during their search for a 40-year-old white woman
“The NAACP of greater grand rapids can not and will not stand by to watch our children be aggressively and strategically targeted and terrorized by the police sworn to protect them,” said Local NAACP President Cle Jackson.
Honestie Hodges and NAACP local president
Cle Jackson address the media
The NAACP Youth Council commended GRDP Chief David Rahinsky for taking the first steps in solving this injustice. This incident was the latest that has involved GRPD and youth of color over the past year. Rahinsky acknowledged there is a problem and is addressing the issue head-on.
Media Works of John Rothwell 