On Saturday, June 7th, at Parkridge Park in Ypsilanti, we launched our very first 5 Friends Initiative—and what a powerful beginning it was.
Hosted with heartfelt hospitality by Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church, this event brought together community members, faith leaders, and law enforcement in an open dialogue focused on Listening & Trust.
One of the most moving moments came during the reflections shared by officers from the Ypsilanti Police Department following their small group discussions. Their honesty and sincerity brought a new level of depth to the evening—and offered a glimpse of real bridges being built in our community.
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this evening so meaningful:
Pastor Carnel Richardson and the Metropolitan Church family for opening their doors and their hearts
Pastor Arnold Sheard of Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, whose presence and words added boldness and insight
The team at A Brighter Way, who brought wisdom and compassion to every conversation
Jennifer and Johnnie, who shined brightly with their invaluable contributions
And a special nod to former Chief Moore, whose continued presence reminds us of the progress we’ve made—and the road still ahead
We invite you to browse the photos from the evening (attached below), which reflect the spirit of unity, understanding, and hope that defined this unforgettable start.
This is just the beginning!
We’re excited to share that Pastor Richardson has welcomed us back for our next session on Thursday, July 25th, from 5:30–6:45 PM.
