March through downtown Durham protests George Floyd’s death
More than 200 people gathered in Durham on Saturday to protest George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, marching to the courthouse and police station.
As part of a “Bull City Solidarity March,” the protesters chanted “Whose streets? Our streets,” played instruments and held Black Lives Matter signs. As they marched across downtown, police cars followed and stopped traffic as protesters crossed intersections and blocked streets.
“These are our streets. We do not deserve to die senselessly in our streets,” Skip Gibbs, an organizer of the protest, told the crowd through a bullhorn.
A white Minneapolis police officer is charged with murder after holding Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, on the ground with his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than 8 minutes, the Associated Press has reported. He told police he couldn’t breathe. His death has set off protests, some violent, around the country.
In Raleigh, about 1,000 people gathered in downtown Raleigh early Saturday evening.
Peaceful protest in Durham
During demonstrations the night before in Charlotte, people slashed a police car’s tires, smashed windows at a police substation, broke into a grocery store and pelted officers with water bottles, The Charlotte Observer reported.
But the afternoon protest in Durham was peaceful.
A small crowd had gathered at Chapel Hill Street and Main Street by 12:50 p.m., blocking the intersection. Police also closed nearby intersections to keep traffic away.
The crowd grew as it marched first to the county courthouse, then to CCB Plaza, then to police headquarters.
At each stop protesters blocked the street and formed a circle around people who would chant, sing and share experiences. Black mothers shared stories about worrying about their children. Black men said they wanted to live in a community where they didn’t have to fear jogging, driving or even staying in their homes. White people talked about how they have to do better in standing up for black people and intervening in racist situations.
Most of the participants wore masks, as the state entered its second week under Phase Two of easing coronavirus-related restrictions. Some observed social distancing guidelines, while others gathered in tighter crowds.
“I am here to take a stand, “ said Xavier Johnson, 26, of Durham. “I am here to promote peace.”
‘Justice for George’
Raven Scott, 21, of Durham held a sign that said “Justice for George” on one side and “Any means necessary” on the other.
Scott attended to stand in solidarity with Floyd.
“It feels like it will bring a change,” Scott said.
As protesters chanted in the street, Leilah Nichols, 13, sat on steps in front of police headquarters with her mom and younger sister. On the step in front of her, the colorful sign she made said “The children are watching.”
She said she came up with the slogan when she was younger, and confused about the violence and racism her community experienced.
“There needs to be a change because we are not going to stop until they realize we matter as much as they do,” Leilah said.
In a letter, Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead named several African Americans killed by law enforcement and said he finds “the acts and omissions by these police officers to be incomprehensible and indefensible.”
Birkhead wrote he was “embarrassed” and “outraged,” saying his office is committed to the “fair and impartial treatment” of all people.
“Let us be resolved to fight for justice for all here in Durham,” he concluded. “Let us commit to stand up or kneel down when injustices are identified.”
This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 1:51 PM.
