How to find a Black Lives Matter protest in your area this week. A Back the Blue rally, in support of police, is also planned for the same time at the square. Fearful that students would quickly be sent home due to COVID-19, Timmermann chose to get her absentee ballot sent to her house. People march in Detroit during a rally calling for an end to police violence after the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died Memorial Day in the custody of the Minneapolis police, Friday May 29, 2020. Protest marches in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis continue in Michigan, and across the country. By the end of the protest, students were not only adding their voices to the chants but leading them, passing around the megaphone and holding a moment of silence. Harris views these protests as a conversation between Greencastle’s white community members. “Ever since 2016, we get out the markers and poster board, we already had all this stuff we just had to buy the bull horn,” Grove said. Holland - Two events were planned in Holland, one on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Centennial Park. There were no physical altercations Sunday evening, nor was there any significant property damage other than washable paint, which was on the roadway in front of the township hall. To ensure that her vote counts, her mom will be driving four hours to Greencastle to deliver her ballot so Timmerman can fill it out. Digital access or digital and print delivery. “I love it so much,” said Kayce Kean, the Greencastle Resident who initially organized the rallies. The other one is scheduled for Sunday evening in front of the courthouse on 8th Street. ALLENDALE — A painting of the words "Black Lives Matter" at the Allendale Township hall was in the middle of a dispute Sunday evening between protesters painting the words, and others arguing the phrase has no place in the Allendale community. The organizers have emphasized this will be a peaceful demonstration to "(stand) in solidarity with those in the fight for Black lives in Minneapolis.". In Allendale, where residents have come to paint "Black Lives Matter" in front of the township offices in protest of the township board’s decision to leave a controversial Civil War statue remain. Muskegon - Starting at 2 p.m. Sunday in front of the Muskegon County courthouse on Terrace Street. Kahle said Sunday’s demonstration likely won’t be the last in Allendale. Tony Miller, a Black Allendale resident, said the statue staying or being taken down didn’t make a difference to him, he just wishes for Allendale to be a more inclusive community. Grove, the owner. Kalamazoo – At 6 p.m. Saturday, protesters are gathering at the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Kalamazoo Mall for an event called Justice for George. Email [email protected], visit our Facebook page or Twitter. It does seem like they've lost their way a little bit," Cooper said of the protests. The First Amendment right to protest has never been more important, and in this moment when we are still battling a killer virus, it is crucial that those who choose to demonstrate do so peacefully, and in a way that follows social distancing guidelines to protect public health. Not just Greencastle, but specifically the auto shop on Franklin Street right off the square. ►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. "As Americans, this is one of the most challenging periods in our lifetimes. © Gannett Co., Inc. 2020. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Others, including Allendale planning commission member Ryan Kelley, argued with protesters, responding with the phrase "all lives matter.". The organizer planned this to be a peaceful demonstration to "get the word out." ALLENDALE — A painting of the words “Black Lives Matter” at the Allendale Township hall was in the middle of a dispute Sunday evening between protesters … Kalamazoo – At 6 p.m. Saturday, protesters are gathering at the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Kalamazoo Mall for an event called Justice for … ", While protesters painted the words, some counter-protesters stood over the tracing to prevent further painting. The statue depicts a Union soldier and a Confederate soldier back-to-back, with a freed slave child kneeling between the two soldiers holding a tablet that reads "Freedom to Slaves.". However this week, it started with some battery issues in the megaphone that hadn’t been turned off since last week. Have a news tip? Across the Square from the auto shop is Conspire, a small local boutique that sells handmade soaps, astrology theme-candles and loose leaf teas. The event will be a peaceful protest. The event page invites residents from cities within driving distance, such as Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and South Haven. The store also serves as a base of support for young protestors, DePauw Students and Greencastle’s progressive community, according to J.D. However, this tension between more progressive students and the conservative town is not new. And there will likely be others because basically, we have a commitment to seeing that that statue is removed. “I was terrified to put up the first rainbow flag,” Grove said. Protests have become frequent for the group, responding to issues like immigration and LGBTQ rights. While details are limited, the event page details the goal of coming together safely and protesting injustices in the flawed justice system. Mitch Kahle, a member of the Michigan Association of Civil Rights, said protesters would continue to make similar demonstrations in Allendale until the township board removes the statue. "It’s just (about) trying to get a protocol. (Nicole Hester/Ann Arbor News via AP), Michigan: People who exhaust unemployment get 20 weeks more, Unlock Michigan submits 539K signatures to repeal Whitmer's emergency powers, 13 On Your Side Forecast: Possible Frost Friday Morning, First snow of the season for the Upper Peninsula, Muskegon senior looks to make dad proud while he chases football dreams, President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis rocks final stage of presidential campaign, Real-time updates | Findings in Breonna Taylor case grand jury recording, Drive-by shooting kills 1 at Detroit protest, Live updates: Kemp declares state of emergency after night of violence in Atlanta. But largely, it has been white people like Kean and Grove talking to their other white neighbors. And we're going to be back, intermittently, but maybe often to make sure that it is. There will no doubt be more tough days ahead, but we must pull together and treat our fellow Michiganders with dignity, compassion, and humanity," the statement read. Miller, who said he recently moved to Allendale, added those who believe the Black Lives Matter movement has no place in Allendale should be more mindful of who lives in their community. Timmerman spent her summer making calls and attending protests in Holland, MI, her hometown. Our administration is working closely with local elected officials, public safety, and faith, and youth leaders to encourage communities across the state to designate areas for peaceful demonstrations where people can make their voices heard. His role at these protests has been as a guide—encouraging protesters to take photos of trucks that drive past multiple times and writing down the license plate numbers. In West Michigan, protests have been planned in several cities and they are expected to draw thousands. “One, it takes responsibility off me and two, Depauw students are really passionate and really want to be involved.”. Other counter-protesters used chalk to write their own messages, while others used water to try to wash the paint off. NEW YORK — Ahead of Labor Day, unions representing millions across several working-class sectors are threatening to authorize work stoppages in support of … “I’m glad that they are protesting because it shows me not everybody [here] is [a] Trump [supporter],” Timmermann said. Garlin Gilchrist issued a statement encouraging communities to provide areas for peaceful demonstrations. “This is a peaceful demonstration showing our solidarity for Black PoC,” the event page reads. It is often forgotten that students are more... Students Join Greencastle Residents In Rally For Black Lives, TDP Post-It: Wednesday, Sept. 30 (Updated), DePauw students adjust to school life on and off campus, Students Placed In Quarantine Lags Behind Potential Exposure. On Saturday, a crowd gathered on the lawn of Putnam County Courthouse for another week of Black Lives Matter rally. The first thing sophomore Evelyn Timmermann saw when she visited DePauw in 2018 was Greencastle. The shop was covered in Trump flags and a bold decal reading “Drain the swamp”. All rights reserved. Former officer Derek Chauvin, who held down Floyd by his neck resulting in his death, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter Friday. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. I was talking to (counter-protesters), and they’re like, ’Why now?’ For people like me, this isn't just now, this has been going on for years and years and years. Communities are hurting, having felt that calls for equity, justice, safety, and opportunity have gone unheard for too long. Grand Rapids – Protesters will gather at Rosa Parks Circle at 6 p.m. Saturday for a silent march against police brutality. In June, the Allendale Township board voted to let a Civil War commemoration statue remain in the township’s garden of honor, located nearby the township offices. "What kind of attitude is that to be inclusive for our community? The phrase "BLM" is often taken out of context since there are implicit words that precede "BLM." As these events are popping up across the state, Saturday Gov. The “This group is intended for discussion and organization.”. Protesters are rallying nation-wide following the death of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody. More people arriving, but there are as many counter protesters @HollandSentinel pic.twitter.com/Y0DBJJGmxj. They’re saying that’s not indicative of the people of Allendale, that’s not how everybody feels. "With me moving here, you hear people say, ’if you don’t like it, don’t move here,’’’ he said. To ensure that her vote counts, her mom will be driving four hours to Greencastle to deliver her ballot so Timmerman can fill it out. According to the post, face coverings will be mandatory to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One Allendale woman, who said she wished not be named, said she counter-protested because she was worried about Allendale’s perception, and that people who saw the protests would be discouraged from moving to the township. [contact-form-7 id=”22338″ title=”Subscribe”], Image 1 of 11. As the 2020 Presidential election approaches, Joseph Harris, the VP Greencastle’s Chapter of the NAACP, has watched tensions increase at the protests throughout the summer. The weekly summer protests are planned to conclude this Saturday, Sept. 26. We stand in solidarity with those who are seeking equitable justice for everyone in our state. Several protests have been planned in West Michigan cities following the death of George Floyd. "What we plan to do is just keep up the pressure, and that includes some spontaneous events like this one," he said. Timmerman spent her summer making calls and attending protests in Holland, MI, her hometown. Look at the protests here, that’s how a lot of people are feeling.". — Contact reporter Arpan Lobo at [email protected]. This week, DePauw students joined Greencastle residents and DePauw faculty and staff in chants of “Black Live Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace.” At the protest’s peak, there were about 50 participants, an increase from 20 the previous weekend. Kalamazoo – Protesters are gathering at noon Saturday at the front of the Kalamazoo Court House for an event called #BlackLivesMatter. "If that statue goes or if it stays, whatever," Miller said. Holland - Two events were planned in Holland, one on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Centennial Park. Since then the shop has slowly become plastered in LGBTQ rainbow flags and Black Lives Matter posters. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo. Protesters have called for the statue’s removal.