Police Chief Responds to Man's Essay About Growing Up Black In Naperville

Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall responded to Brian Crooks’ essay this week to better understand Crooks’ experience growing up as a black man in Naperville, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Former resident Brian Crooks wrote a 5,000-word Facebook post about his experience growing up black in Naperville. Crooks’ essay was shared more than 29,000 times since it was published on July 9.

"I wanted to hear more about his experience, really learn what it's like to grow up a black person in Naperville," Marshall said in the story. "As soon as he comes to town, we'll go out to coffee. We have to have conversation and dialogue with the minority communities to really understand," said Marshall.

Crooks, a former Neuqua Valley High graduate, now lives in Des Moines, Iowa and works as a graphic designer, the Chicago Tribune reports.

"For him to come out and say, 'Look, what happened to you is not OK,' I think that's tremendous," Crooks said in the story. Crooks and the police chief plan on talking in person the next time he's in town.

Crooks' essay can be found below or on his Facebook page.

READ MORE: This is What It's Like Growing Up Black in Naperville

Photo via Brian Crooks' Facebook page