Clergy concerned with disproportionate levels of minorities in prison

Crime is a growing concern in our community but it seems one demographic is disproportionately affected by it.

Statistics from the end of July indicate that 60 percent of the jail population in New Hanover County is African American, even though African Americans only make up about 16 percent of the county’s total population.

Community leaders say this is not a new problem, and it is not getting any better.

Community activist Bishop James Utley said, “We would all like to put a positive face on a negative situation. But no, it is not getting better, it is getting worse.”

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that African Americans are five times more likely to be in jail than whites.

Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous says many victims of violence are also African American.