Sharpton organizes meeting on race issues in Detroit

DETROIT -- The Rev. Al Sharpton plans to tackle thorny racial politics between Detroit and its suburbs during a private conference of government officials and community leaders next week. Sharpton's group, the National Action Network, has invited city and suburban leaders to the Leadership Meeting on Wednesday at Second Ebenezer Church, 14601 Dequindre, to address many issues affecting Metro Detroit. But the single issue of race tops the list, said Caree Eason, president of the National Action Network's Wayne and Oakland County chapter. "We are going to be addressing racial profiling and police brutality going on in the city and the suburbs," Eason said Wednesday. "We're going to ask officials if they know what is going on and let's talk about it. "What we're saying to them is that, 'We want to build an alliance with you to work on the issues that plague the region.' "

The suburbs, Eason said, aren't used to dealing with social injustice.

"We're so divided here in Michigan," she said. "Divided as a people, divided in leadership. Everyone has their own agenda."

Eason says she has sent out "thousands" of invitations to Metro Detroit officials urging them to attend the conference, but few have responded. Those who have say they have scheduling conflicts with next week's annual Mackinac Leadership Conference.

N. Charles Anderson, the president of the Detroit Urban League, said he, too, will miss the event because he will be at the Mackinac conference. But, said Anderson, some government leaders' reluctance to attend the National Action Network's conference is because Sharpton might not be the type of person that politicians normally interact with.

"But perhaps some of them should," said Anderson. "They have to get out of their comfort zone some time or other."

Anderson said race is an issue that continues to require attention.

"It's something that will continue to be discussed again and again," said Anderson.

A rally will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at New Providence Baptist Church, 18211 Plymouth Road. It is open to the public.