̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ



̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ Hosts Third Annual National Night Out


TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – More than 500 members of the Tuscaloosa community made ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ their destination Oct. 8 for the college’s third annual National Night Out.

The event created an opportunity for ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ students, faculty, staff and the Tuscaloosa community to meet with more than a dozen law enforcement, first responders and military services in an attempt to strengthen relationships across the community.

“We want to make sure that there is consensus between the community and the individuals who help protect us and keep us safe,” said Dr. Yolanda Page, the eighth president of ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ. “We know that traditionally in the African American community the partnerships and relationships between the community and police has not always been one of trust, but this is an opportunity to start to develop that trust.”

Law enforcement from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport Police Department, Birmingham Police Department, Bessemer Police Department, the City of Eutaw Police Department and the University of Alabama Police Department all joined the ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ Police Department at the event. Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue, Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Services and Northstar Paramedic Services were also in attendance, along with representatives from various health clinics across West Alabama.

“It’s a joyful moment when I can see the community and law enforcement come together and make sure that our city and our campus is safe,” said Tuscaloosa Deputy Chief of Police Sebo Sanders.

Sanders was joined by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox at the event, who thanked law enforcement and community members for coming together at the event.

“I want to thank each and everyone of you for the job you do for the people in this community. Every single day you put your life on the line so that all of us can be safe. To the members of the community, it’s good to see you out. Tuscaloosa is only as strong as each and every one of you being involved. We live in a day and time where your voice is important, and your voice matters,” Maddox said.

Entertainment for the event included live performances from the ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ Blue Pride Marching Band featuring Golden Perfection, Paul W. Bryant High School Marching Band, Central High School Marching Band, Greene County High School Marching Band and the Northridge High School Drumline. Dance performances were provided by Dancers 4 Life Studio, 3-D Dance, Bama Cheer, ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ cheerleaders, Central High School cheerleaders, Westlawn Middle School cheerleaders and ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ Greek life members.

More than 30 food trucks, businesses and community vendors were in attendance.

The third annual National Night Out was organized by ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ Campus Safety and ̽»¨Ô¼ÅÚ Police.


logo