‘This is only the beginning’: Protesters peacefully march the streets of Conway
“I can’t breathe.”
“I’m black every month”
“Black lives matter.”
Those statements were printed on the shirts of protesters at two separate peaceful gatherings in Conway on Saturday afternoon.
A crowd of more than 50 people gathered near Whittemore Park Middle School and speakers gave messages ahead of a peaceful protest march through west Conway.
“We want to create a safe space,” said event organizer and Conway native Evonne Sherman. “This is only the beginning.”
Sherman, a Coastal Carolina University student, said she plans to organize gatherings at least once a month to discuss issues in the area.
A peaceful protest began down Sixteenth Avenue, with protesters shouting “No justice, no peace” and “Black lives matter.” Conway Police Chief Dale Long marched alongside protesters and police escorted protesters. The crowd planned to gather until 5 p.m. Saturday.
Less than one mile away, about two dozen people gathered at the Historic Courthouse for prayer and a message before marching through Downtown Conway. Organizer Unique Burroughs of Conway said the effort was to encourage people to vote and receive an education.
“The more you learn, the more you earn,” she said.
Ahead of the march, Burroughs asked protesters to avoid responding to negative bystanders.
Both events had tables set up so people could register to vote.
Protests around the country began following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, who died in police custody. Four officers have been charged in connection to Floyd’s death.
This story was originally published June 6, 2020 at 2:07 PM.
