BLM African American Innovation Center hosts listening session after Pawtucket police shooting

July 10, 2025 9:30 pm

Gino DeAngelis,

A listening session at the BLM African American Innovation Center on July 10, 2025. (WLNE)

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Following the release of bodycam footage revolving around the shooting of Sebastian Yidana on June 8, the BLM African American Innovation Center in the city hosted a listening session Thursday evening.

The public session allowed community members to bring forward any issues they may have to the Pawtucket Police Department, and to “encourage transparency and better communication.”

Three officers attended the meeting, while very few members of the community did, with Executive Director of Operations Supreme Richardson asking the public to show up when they can.

“The police department is opening the lines of communication,” Richardson said. “I ask the community to make their next effort and stepping up to show their voice.”

The center also said that anyone unable to attend the meeting could still file any police-related complaints by visiting the BLM Service Center on Main Street.