Change in North Carolina: From Police Officer to Mayor

North Carolina is just one of the many states taking part in systemic change. Riots and police brutality have occurred in each of its major cities, except for the town of Apex. I grew up in Apex, N.C., and it is not a typical suburban town; it is full of amazing leaders in education, business, and community government. The young people use their voices in town halls, community events, and peaceful protests. Systemic change is beginning in Apex, N.C. and will most likely expand into North Carolina’s major cities thanks to Jacques Gilbert, the mayor of Apex, and his inspiring family.

Gilbert was elected mayor in November 2019. Mayor Gilbert and his whole family represent what it means to stay strong and make a systemic change within the Apex community and beyond. He and his family have interesting experiences that make them great leaders in this community and for the movement.

Gilbert was a police officer in Apex for 29 years. When he first entered the force in 1990, the department was staffed with all white officers. “These officers accepted me and treated me as [their] brother,” Gilbert says. It was great to hear that he felt accepted by his fellow officers since this is not the case for many. However, Gilbert faced challenges from his home community and the Apex community. “I was raised in a predominantly black community where there were high crime and many challenges,” Gilbert explains. “When I announced my plans to become a police officer, many of my members of the black community rejected me. I also had to deal with some folks in the community who would use the N-word or “colored boy” when referring to me.”

In the early ’90s, the KKK was active in the U.S., including Apex, N.C. Gilbert was an officer on duty during a KKK event. “In 1991 I was assigned to a Klu Klux Klan march in downtown Apex,” he says. “I had to stand and receive hate language from members as they marched through.” This KKK march was less than 30 years ago.

Throughout his years on the force, Gilbert noticed some changes that needed to be made to the police force as a whole.

“My philosophy has and always will be compassionate policing and serving people in the community, Mayor Gilbert says. “There is still work to do. The culture of policing has to be reformed. This needs to begin before the start of the academy. We have to focus on pre-academy training. Building new era police officers with the heart to serve people. This has worked out well for my career.”

Gilbert decided to take on the position of mayor to bring change to the Apex community and its values, programs, and police department. He says he and other council members are “putting together a team of people to initiate the findings and concerns of what is given from our community members.”

“This is the first time in my life that I have witnessed so many people united on one issue as the diversity is amazing,” Gilbert further explains.

Mayor Gilbert is very much aware of the issues at hand and the ways to fix them. As we know, politicians like to talk a lot, preach to the people, and overshadow their voices. However, Gilbert has taken a more effective approach by … wait for it … listening. He listens to what the community wants and helps make it happen.

“People are looking for reform and not patchwork,” he states. “We have to give the people what they are demanding. I believe it’s too premature to give plans at this time. I want to listen more.”

Another reform the community demands is the restriction of the police department. “I also would like to accelerate the Blue Lights College,” Gilbert says. “This is a police college I started in 2017 with the mission to bridge the gap between community and police. I currently serve as Founder and President. We are training a new generation of police officers to approach conflict with compassion. Arming future police officers with compassion. I believe it was ahead of its time.” This organization offers better training for police and shows them how to care for people by serving and protecting the community rather than patronizing and holding authority over people.

Jacques not only listens to the community, but he wants to empower the younger generation to get involved in their communities and use their voices.

“I want to empower our youth and create spaces and support to usher the change we are all looking for,” he states. “My message to this generation: The world is waiting for you to rise and answer the call that has been given to you. Someone is depending on you. Go for it. It’s your time.”

The time has come for younger generations to step up and demand change; that means a change in your family/friend groups, community, and country. Educate yourself; your friends; your family. Sign petitions and write letters to government leaders. Attend town hall meetings. The smallest changes help ensure a systemic change, which is what this country needs and what great leaders like Mayor Gilbert are actively contributing to.