By Saundra Sorenson | The Skanner

A local nonprofit is bringing together young Black leaders and Portland Police Bureau trainees to walk a mile together and converse in the hopes of building understanding.

Talk A Mile operates on the idea that conversation bridges gaps and builds empathy, which can promote understanding between Black leaders and law enforcement trainees. In Talk A Mile’s first year hosting the event, then-PPB Chief Chuck Lovell took part in the mile-long walk where participants are given conversational prompts. After, 97% of participants reported feeling seen and heard during the process.