News
‘We Will Fight For What’s Right:’ People March For George Floyd In Athens
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Twice in as many days, more than 100 people rallied their voices and handmade signs in Athens on Sunday to protest the deaths of George Floyd and other black Americans.
The group met on Ohio University’s College Green at 5p.m. and walked down College Street, past the Athens Police department, before turning left and proceeding to Court Street. The march ended at the Athens County Courthouse, which houses the county sheriff’s department.
More people joined there to hold up signs, join in chants, and sing.
One of the march organizers, Kel Davis, said the reality of family members losing their loved ones is painful to think about.
“I just wish the police would understand that we’re not here to cause trouble,” said Davis, an Ohio University student. “We’re here to bring peace, peace and happiness. That’s all it is. We’re just here to make changes. We’re just here for positivity.”
Davis and several other people stood near the traffic light at Court and Washington streets, not blocking traffic, but demanding their message was seen and heard. Many drivers honked their horns or shouted their support.
KeShawn Mellon, another OU student, stood in the street with a sign reading “none are free if others are oppressed.”
“Black people don’t have the option to sit by and not do anything,” he said. “Either we go to a protest and make our voices heard, or we risk continuing to be killed in the street.”
Later in the evening, people proceeded up and down Court Street, broadcasting their message to people in uptown bars and restaurants. At this point, around 6:40 p.m. most people dispersed. A small group stayed at the courthouse. A photo shared by the Athens News showed two Athens Police Department officers in the later group; there was no discernible police presence for most of the event.
Another protest is reportedly planned for Tuesday afternoon at the courthouse.