A friend told me that no politicians have said anything good about the protest at Memorial Park.
Afterwards, congresswoman Escobar told people to “Did you protest? Please get tested.”
Did she that congresswoman tell people visiting their mothers: “Did you visit your mother? Please get tested?”
Perhaps she could have thanked the young people, many ages 16 to 24?
She didn’t.
A city representative suggested the protest be moved to a different day, so it could be better organized.
She didn’t comment about the aftermath. It was in her district.
Will there be an investigation for excessive force against the young people, many ages 16 to 24?
Young people didn’t let the pandemic define their freedom of speech.
A thousand young people didn’t think so.
Thousands all across America didn’t either.
Their actions might have created new spikes.
But their voices will not be muffled in the new civil rights.
Will yours?
No politician besides a mayoral candidate was there.
She was not there campaigning but bearing witness.
Helicopters flying overhead.
Police cars blaring their sirens.
Police had riot gear and starting advancing through the crowd chanting “Move, move, move…”
Someone threw a water bottle at the police and they responded with beanbags, rubber bullets and teargas.
The young people ran.
Some got hit. Some were hit in the head and required visits to emergency.
The feeling of shock and grief engulfed the young people.
It had been a civil protest after months of being cooped up
It was a crowd of mostly young people, Latinos, some African American kids and families.
A few wanted to dance.
But it was mostly a friendly, mellow and peaceful crowd.
My friend of mine said it was very inspiring.
Everyone had signs.
But in those final minutes, the world changed.
Thank you young people.
My friend Debbie Nathan has written an open letter to “progressive” politicians.
