On this episode, we have Beverly “BJ” Council, founder and primary presenter of You & Five-O, LLC (YFO). As the first African-American female to achieve the rank of Deputy Chief within the Durham City Police Department, she addresses community challenges slowly and methodically to create lasting change. As a Black female and retired police officer, she offers a unique view from both sides: she understands the police perspective while also being aware of the systemic issues and generational trauma that affect the Black and Brown communities.

BJ created You & Five-O in 2015 as a response to the rise of deaths that were occurring during interactions between law enforcement and the communities they serve. After retiring from the Durham Police Department, BJ wanted to find a way to ensure that law enforcement maintained its honor of serving and protecting those in need, while also understanding the importance of asking and, most importantly, hearing the community about how they need to be served.

In this interview, BJ discusses the integral community work of You & Five-O as well as their new short film project titled, “Hashtag, Huemans: A Guide to Get Home” which debuts February 25, 2023. This film has updated ‘The Talk’ that parents have with their children about how to safely navigate and survive encounters with law enforcement – when they are stopped by the police. Available to everyone for free online, it’s the 5.0 version for our youth and the next generation. The information shared in this 25-minute film can save lives; yours, your kids, your friends or your loved ones.

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