‘Stand Up for Black Lives’ march, rally draw large crowd in Prairie Village
A large crowd turned out Wednesday evening in Prairie Village to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Signs in hand, hundreds of people, predominantly white, gathered outside the city’s community center and silently marched north on Mission Road to the former Macy’s store, filling about two-thirds of the parking lot at 71st Street.
The “Stand Up for Black Lives” demonstration was one of many that have been held in the Kansas City area since late last month when a black man, George Floyd, died after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd’s death sparked national outrage, and prompted thousands to take to the streets and public parks to protest police brutality and call for changes within law enforcement.
Many have chanted and marched in honor of black Americans who have died at the hands of police, also bringing attention to four black men who were fatally shot by Kansas City police officers in recent years: Ryan Stokes, Terrance Bridges, Cameron Lamb and Donnie Sanders.
Stokes’ mother, Narene, who attended the protest, said she has been relieved and grateful for the support over the past week.
“It’s been a long time coming because after the George Floyd incident the other week, it just opens my wounds back up. I’m just torn,” she said, thinking back to 2013 when her 24-year-old son was shot in the back by police in the Power & Light District. “But I’m ready. I’ve been ready.”
Dennis Solis, pastor at CrossPoint Community Church, helped kick off Wednesday’s rally, which featured several people giving speeches and reading poems. Solis said as people watch the funeral procession for Floyd on television, they should remember others, “countless other African Americans,” who have endured racism and died in similar ways.
“We are here because it’s time for American citizens — whether you live in the city or the suburbs or the countryside — to stand up against all forms of racism, bigotry and injustice,” Solis said. “We are here to say to the systems and the structures of our nation: no more waiting, no more excuses, no more inequality.”
Speakers included teacher David Muhammad, who told told the crowd that the fight against inequities faced by the black community will continue beyond the recent protests.
Months from now, “this fight will still be here,” he reminded the crowd. He encouraged protesters to keep pushing.
Next time there is another “unjust” death at the hands of a police officer, Muhammad said, “we can’t afford for folks to be exhausted and wonder if they have the time and energy to stand up.”
“Because for some of us in this audience,” Muhammad said, “we aren’t granted the privilege to decide if and when we want to be impacted by these issues.”
“Don’t get comfortable. Get in shape for this fight,” Muhammad continued, addressing the group. “This is a marathon. Do not get exhausted. Black lives matter. No justice?”
“No peace!” the crowd yelled in response.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 10:05 PM.
