Building Bridges: Myrtle Beach’s Latest Beachside Chat Focuses on Students and Police
Myrtle Beach, SC – This past Sunday, the sunny shores of Myrtle Beach were more than just a picturesque backdrop; they were the setting for an incredibly important event aimed at fostering connection and understanding. The Beachside Chat, a monthly gathering designed to bridge the gap between young people and school resource officers (SROs), had students and officers coming together for some heartwarming exchanges.
Creating Comfort and Understanding
At the heart of this initiative was the idea that many young people feel intimidated or even scared of law enforcement due to a lack of understanding. As local mom, Pamelia Barr, pointed out, “A lot of young people are afraid of law enforcement because they don’t understand law enforcement.” The Beachside Chats are designed to change that narrative. This month’s installment specifically focused on encouraging kids to connect with the very officers who serve their schools and communities.
Cookie Goings, the director of Neighborhood Services for Myrtle Beach, shared some poignant thoughts, saying, “Tell us what we need to do for you to help you have this wonderful, healthy, wholesome life.” She hopes that by participating in these chats, SROs can break down barriers and show students that they’re here to help, not harm.
A Safe Space for Kids
For many kids who might not feel comfortable sharing their feelings with family members or friends, the Beachside Chats provide an invaluable outlet. Barr emphasized this point, saying, “You got a lot of kids now who might not feel comfortable talking to Auntie or don’t feel comfortable talking to mommy or daddy. They’re not in the right state of mind.” This gathering opens the door to a new avenue for conversation, allowing young people to reach out to those in law enforcement feeling safe and secure.
From the officers’ side, the feedback has been encouraging. Cristal Jones, another attendee, noted, “When we are together and the officers are willing to talk up and speak, I feel like that will make them more comfortable coming out to them.” And that sense of comfort and security is incredibly important in building relationships.
Real Connections Made
For seventh-grader Tianna Bell, this emotional connection has already made a difference. She remarked, “Some officers don’t care. These officers do. Because when you’re having a bad day, you need somebody to talk to.” These words resonate and showcase the meaningful impact these chats have on students’ lives.
The Roots of the Beachside Chats
Founded in 2020 in response to the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd, Beachside Chats were born out of the desire to create a safe space where tough topics could be discussed openly and honestly. Goings stressed the importance of starting conversations, even if they make us uncomfortable. “Somebody’s got to start the conversation. And if it makes us feel uncomfortable, there’s a reason for that,” she explained, pushing attendees to think deeply about the situation.
Looking Ahead
As the day wrapped up, many participants left feeling heard and hopeful. The focus remained on creating a brighter future—one conversation at a time. Barr captured this sentiment beautifully: “We can’t go back and say what we didn’t do yesterday. God has blessed us with a brand new day, so let’s get it done.”
Exciting news for the community: the next Beachside Chat won’t just be about conversations, but also celebrating the holiday season! Mark your calendars for December 1, when the event will feature a tree lighting ceremony that promises to bring everyone together for some seasonal cheer.
In Conclusion
The Beachside Chats continue to serve as a beacon of hope and understanding in Myrtle Beach, proving that with open dialogues, trust and connections can flourish between generations and professions. So, whether you’re a student eager to ask questions or an officer ready to lend an ear, there’s a place for you in this growing community.
