Columbia NAACP meets with residents to discuss ongoing issues, racial profiling

The Columbia NAACP held its third community meeting with residents, police and several City Council members Tuesday night.

The organization and residents discussed several important issues they eventually want to make better in the community. Some of those issues include racial profiling, community policing, affordable housing and equality.

Residents say there is more of a need for affordable housing but also resources to teach people how to be more responsible homeowners. Residents also say there needs to be more housing for lower income residents to buy, allowing them to have more ownership.

Programs like Lynn Street Cottages residents say is great, and hope more opportunities arise.

The issue of racial profiling within African-American communities was brought up. Residents say police need to be trained on how to deal with African-Americans during a traffic stop. Along with having more of a police presence with community policing.

The discussions tonight was just one of many more the NAACP says they will have. The goal is to have recommendations to sent to the City Council.