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Cherry Hill Church Holds Black Lives Matter Forum

CHERRY HILL, N.J., (CBS) -- Clergy members, police and politicians held a discussion Thursday evening, called 'Why Black Lives Matter in South Jersey' to answer questions about the cause of the national movement, and how it relates locally.

The event was held at Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, NJ, where earlier this week vandals ripped down signs supporting the cause.

Leading the forum: Rev. Kamili Leath with Destiny Church of Moorestown, Lt. James Hawkins of the Willingboro Police Department, Rev. Eric Dobson with Fair Share Housing, Rick Taylor of Pennsauken Township Council, Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young, Sr. and Keith Benson with Camden County's chapter of the NAACP.

Panelists spoke about how the movement is about bringing awareness to inequalities African Americans face. Each spoke on topics including police brutality, welfare, incarceration and community support.

Doris travelled from Burlington County, New Jersey because she said she is concerned about the current state of the matter.

"I agree with some of the panel, what they discussed, what they stated," she said. "Hopefully there will be a change."

Police say they have not yet made any arrests on the church vandalism.

Click here for more information on the church.

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