Rev. Sedgwick Easley addressed the death of Tyre Nichols during service at the Union Baptist Church on Sunday.   

In light of Nichols’s violent death, he encouraged congregants to make their voices heard and push for a change in laws.  

“We need laws on the books so that police officers can no longer murder our people,” he said. “This is a call to action that we no longer can accept what has transpired in Memphis, because it's not only happening in Memphis it can happen anywhere in the United States of America.”  

“I hope that people learn to work together, especially officials and politicians, because it's really bad,” said Anita Goins of Hempstead.  

Hempstead residents Tracey Lucas and Jovetta Brown believe better police training and outreach may help.  

“We all have to do better,” said Lucas.  

“His sermon gives me strength because it lets me know that all police officers aren't bad,” said Brown.  

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