Demopolis protestors call for end to racial injustice
Shouting “No justice, no peace,” a biracial group began a march through downtown Demopolis Friday after conducting a rally at the City Landing calling for an end to racial injustice.
The protest was the brainchild of Zoie Sewell, a recent graduate of Demopolis High School. She and several others formed Protest is Progress, which has as its goal to make the public aware of systemic racism in America and to end police brutality against blacks.
“Racism is an issue that no one want to talk about, especially in our town, Demopolis,” Sewell told the group of about 50 supporters. “I come to you today to ask you to educate yourselves on the matter, because no one is born a racist.”
“If our generation wants to be the ones to break the chains of racism and injustice that were passed on to us,” she continued, “we need to stand up, speak out and pray.”
Reciting the names of recent black victims of and calling for reform in police departments, Marianna Boutwell asked, “How many more are we supposed to lose before change is made? We have gathered here to support each other and to support everyone been hurt by the stigma and prejudice against all black people.”
Tristan Mullen complimented the group. “This is an example of when people say that small towns, especially small towns in the rural South cannot not be inclusive and cannot value diversity, that is a lie.”
Mullen address the argument that all lives matter, not just those of blacks.
“When we say, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ we are not in any way insinuating that the lives of any other groups do not matter,” he said. “What we are trying to say is to be straight and white means you have had the deck stacked in your favor instead of against you.”
Racism stems from people “who are afraid of us because of the power we have if we are united,“ said Keyerra Jones. “If we don’t start speaking up against the injustices we face, then we are going to live in a world where they will continue.”
“I want to be someone who can help change the world,” Jones said, and urged the young people in the crowd to use their right to vote to bring about that change. “The next time someone tries to silence you, speak loud so they can hear you all around the world.”
Josh Rankin said Protest is Progress was formed “to combat the injustices that people of color face every single day.”
He said the group “encourages you to use three of your most valuable tools, your voice, your wallet and your vote.”
Collection jars have been placed in several Demopolis black-owned businesses, Rankin said. Donations will be divided among the official Breonna Taylor Fund, National Black Lives Matter Fund and to support black-owned businesses in Chicago.
The group of supporters included Mayor John Laney, Councilman Harris Nelson, Police Chief Rex Flowers, teachers, students and parents. Police vehicles led the march through the city, and several members of the DPD walked with the protestors.