Event Aims to Strengthen Police-Community Relations in Goldsboro
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – In an effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, local DJ and educator Bryan Rashawn Lewis has partnered with Goldsboro Police Officer Hunter Whitaker to organize a Family Fun Night scheduled for September 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the W.A. Foster Center.
The free community event will feature live DJ entertainment by Bryan Lewis, basketball, back-to-school raffles, and complimentary food, all designed to create positive interactions between police officers and residents.
A Partnership Born from Mutual Respect
The collaboration began when Officer Whitaker, who previously worked alongside Lewis at a local Zaxby’s restaurant for several years, reached out through social media with the idea. Lewis, 34, is a well-known figure in the Goldsboro community, serving as a DJ, artist, producer, coach, and teacher at Rosewood High School.
“Hunter is very passionate about trying to change the narrative of police and police relations within the community,” Lewis explained. “He goes through different neighborhoods, different projects, and he’s not afraid to put himself in certain situations to try and restore faith between the police and people, mainly minorities.”
The two men’s professional relationship at Zaxby’s, where Whitaker worked under Lewis’s management, laid the foundation for mutual trust and respect that extends to their current collaboration.
Addressing Community Challenges
Lewis acknowledged the complex relationship between law enforcement and minority communities, emphasizing that while there are problematic officers, many police officers genuinely want to serve their communities effectively.
“There are some corrupt cops everywhere, but there are some – I believe there are more great cops that genuinely want to serve the community than there are bad cops,” Lewis stated. “But if you don’t give them an opportunity, if you’re just biased off history without even getting to know them, that’s judging a book by its cover.”
The event organizers hope to create opportunities for community members to interact with police officers in a positive, non-enforcement setting, allowing both sides to see each other as individuals rather than adversaries.
Overcoming Community Skepticism
Lewis has faced challenges in organizing community events, including his previous sneaker showcase, where he encountered resistance from some community members who were hesitant to attend events in certain areas of the city. He emphasized that his choice of safe, family-friendly venues prioritizes the well-being of attendees, particularly children.
“Why would I want to have an event in an environment where people can’t feel safe?” Lewis asked. “There’s going to be kids there. I have to think about the kids that’s going to be there, the people that are bringing their valuable items.”
The Importance of Community Cooperation
Beyond police-community relations, Lewis addressed broader community issues, including the impact of “no snitching” policies on crime resolution. He argued that speaking up about criminal activity shouldn’t be viewed as betrayal but as community responsibility.
“If someone in your family gets killed, robbed, sexually assaulted, anything like that, and you know who it is, you want to stay silent all because you want to keep your reputation of not being a snitch?” Lewis questioned. “That doesn’t make sense to me.”
Looking Toward the Future
The organizers view this initial event as the beginning of an ongoing effort to improve police-community relations in Goldsboro. They plan to continue hosting similar events annually, with hopes of expanding them as community participation grows.
“Change does not happen overnight,” Lewis noted. “Sometimes it takes years, but you have to start small sometimes for that big change to happen.”
Event Details
- What: Family Fun Night
- When: September 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: W.A. Foster Center, 1012 South John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530
- Free Activities: Live DJ, free food, basketball, back-to-school raffles
The Goldsboro Police Department and event organizers encourage all community members to attend and participate in this initiative to build stronger, more trusting relationships between law enforcement and the residents they serve.
About the Organizers
Bryan Rashawn Lewis is a multifaceted community figure who serves as a DJ, artist, producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, podcaster, and educator at Rosewood High School. Despite facing personal challenges, including using a wheelchair, Lewis remains actively involved in community improvement initiatives.
Officer Hunter Whitaker represents the Goldsboro Police Department’s commitment to community engagement and building positive relationships with residents across all neighborhoods in the city.
