The vision of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition is to promote unity among African
American Christian Clergy, in order that our individual lives will be enriched, our diverse churches
Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.
Chairperson
First Institutional Baptist Church,
602-258-1998, ext. 2210
Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr.
Vice-Chairperson
Historic Tanner Chapel A.M.E.
Church, 602-253-8426
Pastor L. Gary Ransom
Treasurer
Greater Progressive Christian
Church, 602-462-5525
Secretary
Pastor Aubrey L. Barnwell
Director of Operations
First New Life Church
(602) 276-4085
and ministries will be strengthened, and the unique needs of our community will be addressed.
Luke 4:18-19; Ephesians 4:11-13
AACCC STATEMENT ON THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND PHOENIX
CITY MANAGER’S INVESTIGATIONS OF THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT
For Immediate Release August 16, 2021
Contact: Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Chairperson
whstewartsr@fibcaz.org
602-258-1998, Ext. 2210
After reading the U.S. Department of Justice’s Press Release on August 5, 2021, announcing
the DOJ’s investigation of the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department, and the
responses by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, City Manager Ed Zuercher, and Chief Jeri
Williams, the African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC) issued the following
statement.
The African American Christian Clergy Coalition is extremely disappointed in the results of
the two independent investigations involving the Phoenix Police Department relative to gang-
related charges against protestors and the circulation of offensive memorabilia among
Phoenix Police officers, celebrating the pepper ball shooting of a protestor in 2017, according
to City Manager Zuercher’s statement. The USDOJ will investigate alleged pattern or practice
of five identified egregious actions, including (1) excessive force, including deadly force, (2)
retaliatory activity against persons exercising their First Amendment rights, (3) engaging in
discriminatory policing, (4) unlawfully seizing property of homeless persons, and (5)
responding to persons with disabilities, according to U.S. Department of Justice’s press
release.
The AACCC appreciates the three investigations and commits to pray and advocate for truth
to be revealed, so that real justice will prevail from and be practiced by the highest to the
lowest ranks of all of those working in the Phoenix Police Department as well as the City of
Phoenix. In addition to transparent responses by the Mayor, City Manager, and Police Chief,
we demand that the culture of the Phoenix Police Department be transformed, and the day-
to-day work ethic of the Phoenix Police Department be reformed once and for all. Unjust and
prejudicial practices against Black people, other people of color and poor people must end. It
is unacceptable that our communities continue to suffer the brutal brunt of governmental
injustice as consequences of entrenched traditions and attitudes, systemic racism, and
widespread prejudice against the very people the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police
Department are employed to protect and serve. In addition, AACCC calls for the immediate
implementation of the Office of Accountability and Transparency. The past actions of law
enforcement officers and the lack of disciplinary action warrants true citizen oversight.
The African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC), established in 2004, is
comprised of over 100 churches whose vision is to promote unity among African American
Clergy, in order that our individual lives will be enriched, our diverse churches and ministries
will be strengthened, and the unique needs of our community will be addressed.
1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Telephone (602) 258-1998