BLACK LIVE MATTER PROTESTS

Black lives matter protests in Spokane

Thousands gather in downtown Spokane for a peaceful BLM protest Allison Manion The Communicator

Thousands gathered in peaceful protest for the Black Lives Matter movement on Sunday, May 31, at the Red Wagon in downtown Spokane. In the memory of George Floyd and other black victims killed by the police, people from all backgrounds showed up to peacefully march to the Spokane County Courthouse. Motivational speaker Le Taxione, who recently spoke about gang violence and his non profit organization NSTEP at SFCC, was one of the people at the head of the protest and spoke to the protestors before they made their way to the courthouse. Le Taxione talked about peace and justice for the black American victims of police brutality.

The protest moved to the courthouse, marching through downtown onto the front lawn. Thousands of protestors chanting phrases such as “I can’t breathe,” “No justice, no peace, no racist police.” Emotions within the crowd ran high as they chanted.

Protestors took a knee in front of the police for nine minutes, representing about the same time Floyd was forced on the ground by police. The protestors stood for hours before the police barricade and pleaded with them to take a knee in respect for the black lives lost.

After hours of heartbreaking stories being told, protesters reasoning with the police and giving evidence of the unnecessary injustices that the black community has been facing, one by one, the officers all started taking a knee. This was the protesters’ and police’s way of showing that the people don’t want violence, they just want justice. Information regarding protests, petitions and actions to take have been included on this page for those willing and able to provide resources.

Allison Manion | The Communicator People from the Spokane community masked up, and went out with signs and determination.

How to stay safe at protests:

Bring a mask and something to cover your eyes. Bring water and stay hydrated. Do not go alone, stay with someone else and look out for eachother. Be calm and focused, if things get intense or out of controll, remain calm and leave the scene. Wear clothing that covers your skin to protect from tear gas exposure. Document and write down actions of police brutality and injuries.

Allison Manion | The Communicator Protestor painfully shouts into the mega phone after the police calimed they were “not able to hear her” when she was trying to reason with the police.