Black Lives Matter Wanted to Protest — but Here’s What Wichita Police Suggested Instead

After a local Black Lives Matter activist told the chief of the Wichita, Kansas, police force he was planning a protest on Sunday, Chief Gordon Ramsay proposed a counter offer.

A cookout.

Making friends and connections at the First Step Cook Out! Great people here! #thatsmywichita -OM pic.twitter.com/BckRRB7hwo

— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) July 17, 2016

The event — the First Steps Community Cookout — was intended as a way for the two groups to bridge the divide between them.

Ramsay told KMUW that he hopes other police departments will hold similar events.

"It takes two parties to make a healthy relationship," the chief said.

Kids, @WichitaPolice, deputies & elected officials dancing at the First Steps BBQ! #blacklivesmatter #thatsmywichita pic.twitter.com/gNidTj4lxy

— Akeam Ashford (@KWCHAkeam) July 18, 2016

Community Involvement @WichitaPolice held a great event. So much love! #AllLifeMatters #wichitapolicerock pic.twitter.com/92Up6fQrwF

— Saga (@sagacontinues1) July 18, 2016

Great Event today @WichitaPolice #AllLifeMatters #showyourlove #Wichitapolicerock #Besafeout pic.twitter.com/q0jQgGyY63

— Saga (@sagacontinues1) July 18, 2016

Some kids I've seen on Patrol remembered me and we took a selfie! #thatsmywichita -OM pic.twitter.com/Ofruf2kXv2

— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice)

July 18, 2016

Black Lives Matter activist A.J. Bohannon told Wichita’s NPR-affiliated radio station KMUW he was happy the community could come together.

"We can get on the same page and say those things that are in Baton Rouge don't trickle over into Wichita, Kansas,” Bohannan said. “My heart goes out to the families, those officers in Baton Rouge, but I think the fact that that did happen makes this event more meaningful. I definitely think this is a start for this community, and I definitely want to keep it going.”

With #BLM local director AJ Bohanan at the First Steps Cookout. Coming together to improve ICT. #thatsmywichita -OM pic.twitter.com/xmVwjKlhYr

— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) July 18, 2016

I just met Keiland who wants to Police Officer! #almostoldenough #thatsmywichita -OM pic.twitter.com/aPLIn632mv

— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) July 18, 2016

Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell tweeted that the event gained a great deal of attention on social media, even beating out the Taylor-Kanye-Kim feud.

The .@WichitaPolice cookout has beat out the @taylorswift13 & @KimKardashian feud to be the #1 trending topic on FB. pic.twitter.com/QK9rzLB0GL

— Jeff Longwell (@jefflongwellict) July 18, 2016

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