Six-year-old boy handcuffed in school just months after police chief fired for racist rant

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LEXINGTON, Mississippi – JULIAN, a civil rights and human rights legal advocacy organization, is hosting a rally in Lexington on Saturday to mobilize voters ahead of the Nov. 8 election. The rally, held from 3-6 p.m. at the community park, 302 Henry Street in Lexington, is designed to inspire people to vote in Tuesday’s election. It will include food, prizes and games for children. Speakers include Congressman Bennie Thompson. JULIAN also is offering free transportation to the polls on Tuesday.

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The rally follows JULIAN’s support of Lexington residents who report historical Civil Rights violations by local officials. In July, a recording of then-police Chief Sam Dobbins, who is White, making racist and homophobic remarks and bragging of killing people in the line of duty was made public. The chief was fired by a 3-2 vote. However, residents in this mostly Black community say there are systemic racist practices and continued intimidation, creating fear among residents of color.

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Just recently a 6-year-old Black boy was handcuffed by Lexington Police Department in front of his elementary school class. Other Lexington residents report false arrests and police assault, said Jill Collen Jefferson, president and founder of JULIAN. “No one should live in fear in their community, especially by those hired or elected to protect them,” Jefferson said. “Local elections are consequential to our democracy. Local officials create the policies that impact our lives every day. Voting in this election is voting for your livelihood and your family’s future.” After Dobbins’ firing, JULIAN called for a federal investigation and sued officials in Lexington, including the City of Lexington, the Lexington Police Department, the interim chief of police and the former chief of police, in federal court.

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