The recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery have forced the nation to address — once again — the state of race relations in our country. And hundreds of people seeking ways to find common ground took steps towards that end as part of a protest march in downtown Emporia on Friday.
The peaceful march was spurred by the well-publicized death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hand of a white police officer in Minnesota nearly two weeks ago — but also recent deaths of Breonna Taylor after police in Louisville, Kentucky, broke into her home in an attempted drug raid and Ahmaud Arbery, who was allegedly killed by a father and son while jogging near Atlanta, Georgia. Those killings have triggered the latest wave of significant racial unrest in America’s history, with peaceful protests like Friday’s event locally and more violent demonstrations in larger cities across the country.
The march began at 12th and Commercial and concluded in the city parking lot just west of White Auditorium. After reaching their destination several individuals spoke their hearts on race relations in America.
Protestor Dewayne Sanford shared his experience of having an officer draw and train his weapon on him. According to Sanford the officer stated he was afraid of Sanford, to which Sanford replied “why?”
Sanford hopes his story emphasizes the need for more effective in-depth communication between law enforcement and people of color.
The killings also drew more attention to strained relations between law enforcement and African Americans, but Emporia Police officers and Lyon County deputies were among the marchers along with Emporia Fire administrators. The law enforcement presence was heavy, including Emporia Police, Lyon County deputies, ESU Police and Safety and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers with community concerns developing about provocative counterprotests over the last few days.
Protestor Darian Harris says Friday’s demonstration illustrates how unity rather division can lead to a more significant change. He says the fight for equality is not an individual effort, but a race we are all running together.
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch was one of many officers who rode side-by-side with protestors. When asked why he chose to ride amongst the hundreds of demonstrators, Koelsch says because “they’re here for the right matters.”
Emporia Police Lt. Kevin Risley says he hopes their presence Friday shows that law enforcement stands by everyone no matter the color of their skin.
The march and speeches took place without incident — except for the heat. At least five people were treated for heat-related incidents after the march.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}060520 Protest{/gallery}
