At Waldo rally, protesters say the names of the 129 people killed in KC this year
Demonstrators in south Kansas City Saturday night knelt in the intersection of Wornall Road and Gregory Boulevard, chanting the names of 129 people who have been killed in Kansas City this year.
Attorney Stacy Shaw, who was helping lead the protest, told protesters: “They deserve to be remembered. Their lives mattered.”
The demonstration, billed as the “Waldo Resistance for Black Lives,” included a march north on Wornall Road from West 75th Street, Before the march, speakers read a poem and an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, and discussed systemic racism.
Organizations involved included The Miller Dream LLC. White Rose Society, Fight for Freedom KC and No Justice No Peace OP.
Organizer Bryan Boccard, a Waldo resident, said protesters had four demands:
- Justice for those killed by Kansas City police, including Ryan Stokes, Donnie Sanders, Terrance Bridges and Cameron Lamb
- The firing of Police Chief Rick Smith
- Local control of the Kansas City Police Department
- No airport security takeover by KCPD
A resolution introduced in June that would direct the city manager to create a plan to replace the Kansas City International Airport’s current police force with KCPD officers has been met with scrutiny.
Boccard told the crowd of about 75 people that the theme for the night was: “Black lives, Black liberty and Black happiness.”
Youlanda Sanders, the sister of Donnie Sanders, who was shot and killed by KCPD, showed protesters where her brother was shot: his back, his leg and his arm.
“He got killed because he ran. That ain’t right,” Youlanda Sanders said. “I appreciate everybody that’s out here supporting us as far as trying to get justice for my brother . . We just want justice for my brother.”
Shaw told the crowd before the march that they are not just protesters.
“We are warriors in a resistance to change the destiny of America,” Shaw said.
Speakers also addressed the history of redlining and hopes for dismantling white supremacy.
Demonstrators marched on Wornall Road, chanting: “No justice, no peace,” and “Say his name: Donnie Sanders.”
When the march was over, Shaw ended the demonstration by calling for protesters to do more than march. She said people need to “be bold and resist” at their jobs, churches and kitchen tables.
She also asked people to share their stories of why they’re involved in the movement in social media and through texts with family and friends.
This story was originally published August 23, 2020 at 12:35 AM.
