Leaders Say Gov. Ducey 'Suffers From White Privilege'

PHOENIX — Faith leaders on Arizona who met with Gov. Doug Ducey on Sunday are speaking out about the meeting that was intended to inspire solutions for systemic racism in Arizona.

"It just seemed like it was a meeting just to say that 'I've spoken to black leaders' it was just something to cross off his checklist," said Pastor Redeem Robinson of Ebenezer Church in Phoenix to ABC 15 "I didn't see any sincerity in it."

It's still unclear if the 90-minute meeting, which was not public, established a plan of action.

Dr. Warren H Stewart Sr. of First Baptist Institutional Church in Phoenix has been an advocate in Arizona since the civil rights movement. He played a role in making Martin Luther King Day an official holiday in the state.

Stewart reportedly organized the meeting on behalf of Ducey. In a statement to ABC15 he said "I don't know if the governor understands systemic racism. He suffers from white privilege."

This is a statement that Robison said he agrees with,"governor Doug Ducey does suffer from white privilege," he told ABC 15.

Bishop Jennifer Reddall of Episcopal Diocese of Arizona also attended the private meeting.

"The governor was really clear that he believes that racism exists, and he believes racism is a sin, he was not ready to say that racism is systematic or institutionalized," said Reddall. "I think he recognizes that there could be consequences among some of his constituents if he said yes, he believes racism is systematic. But what I look for in leaders is courage."

ABC 15 reports that the governor hopes to continue the dialogue.

Communities of faith plan to march to the state capital building Tuesday night to demonstrate with prayer.

Read the full story at abc15.com.