*Dave Chappelle addressed his hometown city council of Yellow Springs, Ohio, on Monday night, seeking support on a progressive change in its community policing that might act as an example for the whole country.
The comedian’s comments came in relation to an altercation between police and citizens of the tiny, predominantly white village, on New Year’s Eve that received national attention. David Carlson, a 29-year-old black man, was arrested when the police broke up a street celebration. Dozens of residents criticized the police force as being overly aggressive, accusing officers of carrying an “us versus them” attitude, according to the New York Times.
Following the New Year’s Eve event, the village’s police chief resigned. Now, as the city council looks for a replacement, Chappelle beseeched its members to “look deeply and look hard” for someone who can properly represent the “incredibly unique” town and possibly make an impact nationwide.
“This is a golden opportunity — literally, could kill the game,” he said. “In this Trump era, there’s an opportunity to show everyone that local politics reigns supreme. We can make our corner of the world our standard.”
Chappelle is a longtime resident of Yellow Springs and his father was a professor at Antioch College there.
Watch video of his address below:
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