Women leaders collaborating for more just communities
Reverend Harriet Walden, Mothers for Police Accountability, and Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best – Seattle, Washington
10 March 2021
Reverend Walden and Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best have realized the importance of empowerment and working together, to improve conditions and relations in their communities. They achieve this through communication, concern for public safety and collaboration. ILO Photos/ John Isaac
Reverend Harriet G. Walden, a Seattle based activist, founded Mothers for Police Accountability (MFPA) after her sons, who had never gotten into trouble before, had an encounter with the police.
“In 1990 there was an incident with my children. As they were coming home from the Black Community Festival, they got stopped and pulled over right in front of the house,” she said of the situation, “this escalated and some boys got beat up.”
Reverend Walden reflects that during this period there was a lot of violence in the Seattle area, and many youths were being harassed, some even being held at gun point.
“At that point we needed someone who was going to stand up for the children, and so myself and four of my friends, who were also my neighbors, started what was at the time Mothers Against Police Harassment,” she stated.
She said that although the discussions were difficult at first because both sides were not able effectively communicate. However, as Reverend Walden continued to engage the Seattle Police in dialogue, there was an opening up and each side was able to recognise the need for an exchange of ideas and open communication.
A subtle but important result was the change of the group’s name to Mothers for Police Accountability that represents more a more positive view of social action for change.
Walden did not think that she would still be doing this work today, but after all these years she now calls herself “a police reformer, for social justice and constitutional policing,” stressing the importance of “whoever needs to be arrested getting to the jail,” alive and safely. Not getting to jail safely was an occurrence that unfortunately had become far too frequent.
When growing up during the time of segregation, Reverend Harriet Walden, did not think she would be doing her work as a social activist and police reformer for social justice. She believes her spiritual strength and compassion are essential skills in her line of work. ILO Photos/ John Isaac “I see myself as a bridge builder so people can walk across that bridge of communication. I have always been for the accountability of everyone in society, not just police officers and police chiefs, but also for the whole community,” which she says is imperative “so that everybody can be safe. ”
As Reverend Walden spoke about her life’s work it closely aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. Her approach to provide access to justice for all and building effective accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels contributes at a local level to these wider international goals.
To complement and amplify her work in social activism and community organizing, Rev. Walden also hosts a weekly radio show called The Mother’s Justice Show with Rev. Walden at a local Seattle-based station, 1150AM KKNW.
As a true testament to her work as a bridge builder, and effective participation in social dialogue, Walden has for years maintained a very close relationship with Seattle’s police department and its Police Chiefs. At the time of the interview, Seattle’s Police Chief was Carmen Best, who also happens to be the city’s first black woman to serve in this position.
As a Seattle native, Chief Best has worked in law enforcement for over thirty years. “I spent some time in the military and I'm totally committed to public service. I see myself as a hard worker and I have had the benefit of wonderful mentors,” says Best.
Police Chief Best has been in law enforcement for almost thirty years. When Chief Best was growing up in Seattle, she said “I didn't actually consider myself at that point Police Chief material. I don't think it was ever on my radar screen, but as life would have it, here I am,” she with a wide genuine smile.
Police Chief Carmen Best, recognizes the importance of bridge builders, mentors and community champions like Reverend Walden to work with community members, young people and the police department. ILO Photos/ John Isaac Like Reverend Walden, Chief Best is a mother and a leader. It is clear both women are committed to doing their jobs effectively for the protection of their community. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other, along with their key symbiotic relationship is hard to miss.
“I feel like I've really been successful in this career because of other people really being helpful. No one gets anywhere on their own and particularly in this position. There was a lot of support and rallying from people and it was really through relationships that have been built, and I feel very supported by Reverend Walden,” Chief Best says about her regular discussions and collaboration with Walden.
The two rely on their communication skills, understanding and empathy to address the social issues facing their community, while at the same time empowering each other.
“We all want safety. We all want our kids to have a good education. We all want the same things, but within our profession people have to understand the limits of their authority. You are a part of the community, not apart from the community,” says the Chief ever so poignantly.
Through their hard work and unwavering commitment, it is evident that the Reverend and the Chief want to promote the health and well-being of the community and address the inequalities that they see in their beloved city.
*****
Editor’s note: At the time of this interview Carmen Best was the Seattle Police Chief. She has since retired from this role and is currently working as an MSNBC contributor and law enforcement analyst, in addition to other roles.
“In 1990 there was an incident with my children. As they were coming home from the Black Community Festival, they got stopped and pulled over right in front of the house,” she said of the situation, “this escalated and some boys got beat up.”
Reverend Walden reflects that during this period there was a lot of violence in the Seattle area, and many youths were being harassed, some even being held at gun point.
“At that point we needed someone who was going to stand up for the children, and so myself and four of my friends, who were also my neighbors, started what was at the time Mothers Against Police Harassment,” she stated.
She said that although the discussions were difficult at first because both sides were not able effectively communicate. However, as Reverend Walden continued to engage the Seattle Police in dialogue, there was an opening up and each side was able to recognise the need for an exchange of ideas and open communication.
A subtle but important result was the change of the group’s name to Mothers for Police Accountability that represents more a more positive view of social action for change.
Walden did not think that she would still be doing this work today, but after all these years she now calls herself “a police reformer, for social justice and constitutional policing,” stressing the importance of “whoever needs to be arrested getting to the jail,” alive and safely. Not getting to jail safely was an occurrence that unfortunately had become far too frequent.
When growing up during the time of segregation, Reverend Harriet Walden, did not think she would be doing her work as a social activist and police reformer for social justice. She believes her spiritual strength and compassion are essential skills in her line of work. ILO Photos/ John Isaac “I see myself as a bridge builder so people can walk across that bridge of communication. I have always been for the accountability of everyone in society, not just police officers and police chiefs, but also for the whole community,” which she says is imperative “so that everybody can be safe. ”
As Reverend Walden spoke about her life’s work it closely aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. Her approach to provide access to justice for all and building effective accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels contributes at a local level to these wider international goals.
To complement and amplify her work in social activism and community organizing, Rev. Walden also hosts a weekly radio show called The Mother’s Justice Show with Rev. Walden at a local Seattle-based station, 1150AM KKNW.
As a true testament to her work as a bridge builder, and effective participation in social dialogue, Walden has for years maintained a very close relationship with Seattle’s police department and its Police Chiefs. At the time of the interview, Seattle’s Police Chief was Carmen Best, who also happens to be the city’s first black woman to serve in this position.
As a Seattle native, Chief Best has worked in law enforcement for over thirty years. “I spent some time in the military and I'm totally committed to public service. I see myself as a hard worker and I have had the benefit of wonderful mentors,” says Best.
Police Chief Best has been in law enforcement for almost thirty years. When Chief Best was growing up in Seattle, she said “I didn't actually consider myself at that point Police Chief material. I don't think it was ever on my radar screen, but as life would have it, here I am,” she with a wide genuine smile.
Police Chief Carmen Best, recognizes the importance of bridge builders, mentors and community champions like Reverend Walden to work with community members, young people and the police department. ILO Photos/ John Isaac Like Reverend Walden, Chief Best is a mother and a leader. It is clear both women are committed to doing their jobs effectively for the protection of their community. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other, along with their key symbiotic relationship is hard to miss.
“I feel like I've really been successful in this career because of other people really being helpful. No one gets anywhere on their own and particularly in this position. There was a lot of support and rallying from people and it was really through relationships that have been built, and I feel very supported by Reverend Walden,” Chief Best says about her regular discussions and collaboration with Walden.
The two rely on their communication skills, understanding and empathy to address the social issues facing their community, while at the same time empowering each other.
“We all want safety. We all want our kids to have a good education. We all want the same things, but within our profession people have to understand the limits of their authority. You are a part of the community, not apart from the community,” says the Chief ever so poignantly.
Through their hard work and unwavering commitment, it is evident that the Reverend and the Chief want to promote the health and well-being of the community and address the inequalities that they see in their beloved city.
*****
Editor’s note: At the time of this interview Carmen Best was the Seattle Police Chief. She has since retired from this role and is currently working as an MSNBC contributor and law enforcement analyst, in addition to other roles.