Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Diverse group stages peaceful protest

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 6/9/20

A Black Lives Matter protest in Fayette on Tuesday, June 2, drew a diverse crowd of more than a dozen people in Fayette to show local support of a growing movement to end police brutality and racism …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Diverse group stages peaceful protest

Posted

A Black Lives Matter protest in Fayette on Tuesday, June 2, drew a diverse crowd of more than a dozen people in Fayette to show local support of a growing movement to end police brutality and racism in the United States.

The protest was one of hundreds nationwide that have been ongoing since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd lay handcuffed and face down on the street.

Protests in many large cities have turned violent, with businesses looted and police cars set ablaze. But not in Fayette.

Clearly aware of the violence that has erupted elsewhere, Fayette police, sheriff’s deputies, and troopers from the highway patrol made themselves visible nearby. But the protest around the square remained peaceful as activists remained focused on the meaning. Officers and protesters later mingled and visited. Leremie Shafer, owner of Miknan’s Main Street Pub in downtown Fayette, provided free lemonade to both police and protesters. 

Rather than an angry, violent display, activists here stayed true to their mission of mounting a peaceful protest. The diverse group, comprised of black and white families, students, and business owners, carried signs and chanted “no justice, no peace,” and “black lives matter,” while parading around the courthouse square. 

One among the group was then Fayette mayoral candidate Kevin Oeth, who walked with the group only about an hour before it was announced he had won the race for mayor. “I came out and walked with them. And I learned stuff,” Oeth said.

“I think that’s going to be so important as we go along that we continue to keep that communication open and be willing to sit down and talk to each other and be willing to walk with each other. We can’t turn our back to what’s happening in our country. As a guy who’s been in law enforcement, it’s very hurtful for me to see what has happened in Minneapolis, but then again I want to work toward fixing those kinds of things without busting windows and things like that. There’s a way to handle all that stuff. What we did tonight, that’s the important stuff.”

Another peaceful protest is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19, hosted by the group Howard County Standing for Change. Those interested in becoming involved are encouraged to bring signs. There will be a children’s story hour from 5 to 6 p.m. in the gazebo. Refreshments will be available.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here