Hundreds turn out for MLK Teen Peace and Justice Summit in Bensalem

BENSALEM, Pa. - Hundreds of young people, community members and police filed into the auditorium at Bensalem High School for the Peace Center’s seventh annual MLK Peace and Social Justice Summit.

“It’s to change hearts and minds. It’s not enough to change a law. You also need to be able to have people shift their thinking,” explained Peace Center’s Barbara Simmons.

Peace Center sponsors MLK Teen Peace and Justice Summit

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub presented the film “Walking While Black…Love Is the Answer.” It’s an award-winning film focusing on revealing and healing the hurt between law enforcement and the black community.

The film includes some hard-to-watch scenes of police brutality and profiling and how officers and victims moved past the anger.

“I think it’s eye opening and enlightening,” stated Rodger Allen.

“It still happens, but some of us aren’t touched by it and we overlook it,” Rahul Kohli said.

“Do you think you could forgive?” asked FOX 29’s Joyce Evans.

“I feel like it would be difficult for me. I was super impressed with the person who did it by the end,” explained Jared Farrior.

“I think growing up, knowing that experience, I hated cops,” remarked Detective David Nieves.

Peace Center sponsors MLK Teen Peace and Justice Summit

Nieves left the tough streets of the Bronx and, ironically, he’s a veteran Bensalem police detective working in schools.

“It’s given me an opportunity to be real with them and accept that I can make a difference. I can change their view of us,” Detective Nieves added.

The Peace Center is hosting similar screenings and discussions throughout the region and a Love Garden is set to break ground in Yeadon as part of their program for change.