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Civil rights activist releases billboard aimed at unity between police, African American community

Posted at 9:23 AM, Sep 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-28 19:49:15-04

Civil rights activist Reverend Jarrett Maupin has unveiled a new billboard he says promotes anti-violence and anti-racism.

The billboard will be placed in several locations across the Phoenix area including near the I-10 and 27th Avenue, and the I-17 and Bell Road.

"This message is running on billboards in minority communities and predominantly white communities. North Phoenix, South Phoenix, The Westside, and The East Valley were targeted because they have been the hotbeds of conflict between the police and members of the community,” Maupin said. “The billboard will also run in Downtown Phoenix as a reminder to policy makers that addressing racism and improving policing requires their participation and public resources."

On Monday Maupin was arrestedalong with two others during a protest in Tempe against the shooting death of Dalvin Hollins, shot and killed by police after allegedly robbing a Walgreens.

According to Tempe Police, Hollins was shot and killed after allegedly robbing the store and barricading himself in a senior care center.

Maupin hopes the billboard will help bridge the gap between police officers and the African American community.

"I hope these billboards also save lives. If I can reach one cop or one black kid, then it was all worth it. If we can reach one person with this message and change their view, then this effort was not in vain."