Wayne State University hosted U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, along with other national and local leaders, on Aug. 3 for the first event in the Regional Justice Forum series.

Detroit was the first stop for this series, which is  expected to take place around the nation  to examine police-community issues in an effort to create open dialogue and solutions for the community. The hope is to open the line of communication between local community leaders, youth advocates, law enforcement and state officials.

"I am here in Detroit because I know that progress is possible," Lynch said. "And because I firmly believe that in the face of recent tragedies, we must not give in to cynicism or despair."

Joining Lynch were Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Police Chief James Craig, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara McQuade, and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.  

Lynch expressed her dedication to improving police-community relations, especially in the wake of recent tragedies. She said the relationship between the Detroit Police Department and the community, which has drastically improved in recent years, is part of the reason she decided to launch the series in Detroit.  

Wilson joined Lynch in expressing his commitment and gratitude to her for bringing this important issue to the campus.

"Recent arrests, shootings and protests across the country have raised a lack of trust between the police and the community they serve," Wilson said. "This is a subject that demands our leaders' attention. We're pleased to be hosting Attorney General Lynch for a discussion on this very important topic."

Community leaders and members from around the city were also present at the forum, giving ideas and insight into the lives of citizens who deal with the police on a daily basis. Lynch said she hopes the forum at Wayne State will be the beginning, not the end, of the nation's effort to overcome the difficult times the country is experiencing.