“Every police interaction does not have to be a negative one.”
(Credit: GoFundMe)
Acclaimed rapper The Game made headlines last week when he joined Snoop Dogg for a peaceful protest march in Los Angeles that was designed to help foster better communications between the black community and the Los Angeles Police Department. But his latest move might be even more historic.
The Game’s son, Harlem, decided he wanted to use the recent focus on police misconduct and racial tensions to help bring attention to police officers who are doing a good job in their communities. That’s when he came across Tommy Norman, a white police officer in Arkansas who has won accolades for his work in building relationships with local black youth. Norman has become a genuine viral sensation in his own right, with an Instagram account that already has more than one million followers checking in to see his regular posts that highlight cooperative and uplifting moments with the public.
“I was touched by how active [Norman] is in the Black community where he polices,” The Game wrote in an Instagram post. “My son said, how does he help all of these kids & stuff, is he rich ??? I said I don't know if he’s rich but sometimes it doesn't take much to help those in need son...”
So, The Game’s son set up this GoFundMe page, which says it will use the funds to help Norman stay supplied with “snacks, drinks, toys” and other items he uses as part of his “strengthening the community” efforts.
“Every police interaction does not have to be a negative one and Officer Norman is changing that one person at a time,” Harlem wrote on the fundraising page.
The Game noted that while he could easily donate the $50,000 to help reach his son’s GoFundMe goal on his own, he didn’t want to get in the way of his son’s project. Instead, he offered $1,000 to get the project started. And it’s already paid off – the project has surged past that $50,000 goal in just one day.
In light of recent tragic events, it’s an ongoing inspiration story that shows people and communities can work together, including with law enforcement, if both sides come to the table.
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