Mid City Times

Each year in February, the Fort Worth Police Department takes the opportunity to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans throughout U.S. history and society. As part of this celebration, they are bringing awareness to Shop Talk, a community engagement program aimed at bridging the gap between the police and the community.

Shop Talk is an evidence-based program that has been in partnership with the nonprofit organization One Community USA and several barbershops in the area. The goal of the program is to create open and honest conversations in a comfortable environment where community members can freely express themselves. By doing so, Shop Talk aims to improve mutual trust and communication between business owners and the police, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

Local barbershops have been chosen as the ideal venues for these conversations because they have traditionally served as spaces where people can discuss any topic. Faded Blue Lounge, located at 3951 Sycamore School Road, Suite #121, is one of the barbershops in south Fort Worth that has embraced the program. The shop showcases artwork featuring African American presidents, athletes, and community leaders on its walls, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment where youth can be inspired by influential figures.

Historically, it has been rare to see artwork displayed in a barbershop or to have police officers visit these establishments. However, Shop Talk is changing that. The program is turning this rarity into the norm, with Fort Worth police officers actively engaging with the community and being inspired by the artwork inside local barbershops. This initiative demonstrates the limitless potential for what the community can achieve when law enforcement and citizens come together.

In addition to Shop Talk, the Fort Worth Police Department provides various community outreach programs to strengthen the relationship between the community and law enforcement. These initiatives aim to foster understanding, trust, and cooperation between the police and the residents they serve.

As Fort Worth embraces the month of February and celebrates African American history, Shop Talk stands as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and community engagement. Through these conversations, the Fort Worth Police Department hopes to build stronger relationships and create a safer and more inclusive community for all.

"Shop Talk allows people from all walks of life to express themselves and aims to improve mutual trust and communication between business owners and police, primarily in underserved neighborhoods." - Fort Worth Police Department

"Why barbershops? Local barbershops are ideal places for police to connect with African American communities because, traditionally, inside those walls, nothing is off limits to talk about." - Fort Worth Police Department

"So when you see a Fort Worth Police officer inspiring the youth or being inspired by artwork inside a local barbershop, the sky is the limit for what the community can become." - Fort Worth Police Department