On Saturday, June 6th, a demonstration was held from the corner of 68 & Limestone to protest racism, police brutality, and the deaths of people of color at the hands of law enforcement.

The protestors lined the sidewalks of 68 heading South, and along that same sidewalk were written the names of POC killed while in police custody. The path was long and the names stretched from the very beginning of the sidewalk all the way until the very end. It was a long list; a stunningly long list.

Speakers Julie Holt and Bomani Moyenda reminded us that it’s important to think globally and act locally. They encouraged protesters to get involved by joining anti-racist organizations, and read out the long list of people who died.

What followed was a powerful 9 minutes of silence, with the crowd sitting quietly as Moyenda described what the last moments of George Floyd’s life were like; pressed to the pavement, handcuffed, and held down with Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck.

Yellow Springs Village Manager Josue Salmeron reminded us that “we can’t stand on the sidelines. We have to be participants in social change and this is what a component of being active citizens and active participants in social change looks like.”

Protests will continue next Saturday from 1-2 PM in the same location. RSVP on Facebook: YS Speaking Up for Justice.

This past week, Antioch College has created a page – Stand for Justice – containing an evolving compilation of links and resources so that you can find ways to participate, become informed, stand in solidarity, support those in need, and find support for yourself.