Norman’s Neighborhood: From toddler to teen, Officer Norman’s friend Amiyah gives hope to the world

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – If you have been a follower of North Little Rock Police Officer Tommy Norman, then the name Amiyah should sound familiar.

Amiyah is a little girl who Officer Norman introduced to the world on social media when she was just 3 years old.

She was known as the diva of North Little Rock because of her sassy personality.

Now, she is a teenager and her and Norman's relationship is still strong.

"People still love her," Norman said, referring to his social media following.

With over a million followers on Norman's social media, thousands of people have watched Amiyah grow up.

But beyond the laughs she produced, she brought a sense of hope that Officer Norman says came at a much-needed time.

"This is young lady who was scared of police officers," Norman said.

That fear Amiyah had for police was taken into custody. Soon, instead of running away, Amiyah started running to Officer Norman.

She would even try to keep him from leaving when he would visit the neighborhood.

Multiple videos on social media went viral with Amiyah taking over Norman's patrol car so he could stay longer.

This bond between Norman and Amiyah had an impact deeper than the surface.

"Something about him just made me feel comfortable," Amiyah said.

Officer Norman says breaking that barrier with Amiyah came at an important time.

"It was difficult for a lot of people and just to remain transparent, people of color," Norman said.

Officer Norman said back in the early 2010's, when the nation saw several African Americans faced with police brutality, his relationship with Amiyah gave hope.

"She really mended a lot of hearts, and she didn't even know it," Officer Norman said.