Police, community ‘Step in the Name of Love’ Tuesday

On Tuesday, the El Dorado Police Department treated the community to a “Night Out” to help enhance relationships between citizens and law enforcement officers.

And Aug. 8, citizens will be invited to broaden that mission by taking a “Step in the Name of Love.”

The second annual “Step”, which is designed to promote “unity in the community” through line dancing, will begin at 6 p.m. on east side of the Union County Courthouse.

This year’s event will be coupled with a ‘90s-themed, Saved By the Bell Back-to-School Bash, said organizer Jeremy Owens.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Step in the Name of Love” — named after the popular song by R. Kelly and based on the dance style that originated in Chicago — was launched in 2016 to encourage positive interaction and strengthen bridges between police and the citizens that they are sworn to serve and protect.

The event drew approximately 250 people and spawned a video that was recorded by El Dorado Festivals and Events, Inc./Murphy Arts District and posted online.

Owens said the video generated questions about a 2017 event, and he got to work on the planning.

“With the first one, there was more participation than I thought there was going to be, and we’re looking for more this year,” he said. “We had police officers and local dignitaries and the citizens of El Dorado. It’s a great opportunity to come out and fellowship in a non-business environment.”

Local businesses and groups donated school supplies, water, money and other items.

And then there was the dancing — and those who helped lead the crowd in dances including the “Electric Slide,” “Cupid Shuffle,” the “Wobble” and the “Whip/Nae Nae.”

The Southern Belles Dance Company, Silver Kickers, Ann Robinson and Barbara Jamerson were a few of the local dancers and dance instructors who helped to keep the crowd entertained.

Owens said he is looking forward to their participation this year, noting that the Southern Belles have already committed for a return appearance.

“They greatly supported last year, and they’re coming back,” he said.

The 2016 event was well received and spawned similar events in Camden and Magnolia.

“People liked what we did last year and asked if we could do it again. I have been getting questions about a date since June,” Owens said.

Referring to himself as a “‘90s kid”, Owens said he decided to bolster “Step” with a Back-to-School Bash, taking the title of the popular ‘90s teen show, “Saved by the Bell.”

Free school supplies will be distributed, and

Owens said attendees are encouraged to rock ‘90s attire.

There will also be a DJ and singers.

Like last year, the El Dorado Police Department is also expected to participate.

The department hosted the National Night Out on Tuesday at the Murmil Heights

Educational Center.

It was the first time the EPD had organized a local event for the annual National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information on “Step” or to make a donation, call Owens at 870-814-8484.