Black Lives Matter comes to downtown Murphy in impressive numbers

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Black Lives Matter

MURPHY, N.C. – A large, peaceful crowd turned out in downtown Murphy to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement on June 4.

Approximately 450 or more BLM supporters brandished homemade signs while marching from the train depot to the courthouse. The three young adult organizers created the event on Monday, June 1 with the intention of holding a small gathering with their friends. However, after launching the Murphy BLM Peaceful Protest group, it grew from 10 to 200 people overnight. At the time of the event, the group had 677 members. No one expected such a big crowd, and several protesters expressed the hope they felt at the sight.

“I think it says there are a lot more people out there then you know. Like that support what you’re trying to convey and spread the word. I think it just says a lot about what we don’t know is out there,”  organizer Jake Reed told FYN on the protest’s success.

Reed and his fellow organizers TeLor Allen and Emily Mills all stressed their desire for a peaceful protest leading up to the event. They wanted it to be a safe space for the people from Cherokee County to show solidarity with the BLM movement.

“I am not a rioter. I am not a looter. I am not a thug. I am not a stereotype. I am a student. I go to the University of Tennessee. I am a daughter. I matter. My name is TeLor Allen,” declared Allen. “Thank you for using your voices for a cause that is so much beyond us that we can’t even imagine.”

The event appeared to serve as an outlet for those who wanted to support BLM and share their grief as well as desire for change.

TeLor Allen addresses the crowd of the event she helped to organize.

“[I experienced] a lot of recently feeling helpless, but then hearing oh there’s a protest actually going on here in Murphy, which I was shocked to find out considering how small it is. But I’m so glad that it happened and glad that I am here,” said one protester who goes by Ryvers.

FYN spoke with participants about small towns and the likelihood of protests in support of BLM. Certain individuals discussed that residents in rural communities are “at peace” with how things operate and don’t see a need for change. No one wants to “rock the boat” or take a gamble on controversial topics.

Diversity also plays a part in how communities see BLM protests. One protester talked about moving from Athens, Ga to Murphy, NC, and how one of their classmates told them that they never saw a person of color before.

Another BLM supporter brought up community diversity and the role it plays:

“We grew up in Florida where there was diversity and there was color and to move to a small town and to see how closed it was. This was very important to us for our voices to be heard. Not only for Black Lives Matters, but also for the injustice that the police, there are so many occasions of them getting away with so much stuff,” said Kathryne, “The fact that the police officers were on the side that really meant a lot to everybody.”

“We all wanted it to be peaceful and glad that it’s reaching such small communities too,” responded Lynsey. “This is a matter that affects all of us.”

Many protesters made signs to illustrate their opinions and feelings regarding injustices against African Americans.

When asked why now and why they felt the need to demonstrate, they responded:

“I’m sick and tired of seeing everything happen on the news. I’m tired of watching our black Americans go through everything that they are. I want things to be better for them. They should feel safe and have the same privileges that we do and not feel oppressed or as though, they can’t attain, the same things that we do,” expressed Sierra Butler.

“I’m tired of just standing by and knowing that I have white privilege, but not being able to do anything about it,” added Brenda Hammond. “I know that there are people who have it so much worse than we do simply because they’re darker than us and that’s not right. It makes me hurt so much to see so many people in pain.”

Hammond also addressed how her family has a lot of mixed opinions on the issue, but they are having conversations about race in America to try and understand.

While marching, they continued to chant “No Justice No Peace,” “George Floyd,” “Black Lives Matter,” “This is America,” and “I can’t breathe.” Once reaching their destination, several protesters laid down in the street with their hands behind their back and chanted “I can’t breathe.”

Everyone fell silent for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to recognize the length of time former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to George Floyd’s neck.

Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer spoke, at times in tears, over the injustices African American’s face and the acts of police brutality. He condemned the actions of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and any officer who didn’t see the wickedness in the four former MPD members.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer addresses change at the Black Lives Matter Protest.

“It’s a long time past that law enforcement and community leaders need to stop, and no longer continue to be silent but speak out when we see injustice occurring,” Palmer stated. “No longer can community members and leaders turn our backs, turn our faces, and pretend these things don’t happen. We don’t only need to speak out for a change, but we need to make changes in our community both Republican and Democrat.”

The sheriff also stressed the need for the community and the nation to love each other citing the Bible and Martin Luther King Jr. Palmer and his staff have started discussions on how to end systemic racism in law enforcement and help their citizens. He added that this discussion only took place because of protesters raising their voices against unjust systems.

Police reform is at the heart of the issue, FYN asked Reed what next steps people could take after the protests:

“I think the next big step for police systems, police departments, and people in power that can really change is realizing that we need change. I think that us being here even in this tiny town is really impactful.”

Jake Allen came up with the idea to hold a protest in Murphy.

Some individuals who disagreed with the protest lined the outskirts of the protest. One even shouted out “all lives matter.” He was quickly shouted down by others in the crowd, who echoed “not until black lives matter.” Others shouted that the disruptor “didn’t have a clue.”

FYN chatted with protesters, Kathyrne, Lynsey, and Talon who encountered him before the event started.

“He looked at us and said are you serious, and I just said yes sir, we are, and thank you, have a nice day,” explained Lynsey. “If you’re here for the wrong reason, go home.”

Once the peaceful assembly ended, the organizers and police handed out water to those in attendance and cleaned the streets of any trash.

To see all photos from the event, click here. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sORMxVA9v7Y

Injustice protest planned in Murphy, NC

Murphy NC, News

MURPHY, N.C. – As protests continue across the country over police brutality against African Americans, a peaceful protest is planned for Murphy, N.C. on Thursday, June 4. The demonstration will begin at 6 p.m.

The protest will take place in downtown Murphy, and at 5:30 p.m., the Murphy Police Department (MPD) will begin closing off streets and sidewalks. All traffic will be diverted from the area to guarantee organizers’ and participants’ safety.

The organizers have stressed a peaceful demonstration. Anyone who wants to disrupt or start problems won’t be welcome. It’s directed for the local community, and everyone is asked to wear a mask as well as abide by the curfew of 9 p.m.

Reportedly Sheriff Derrick Palmer plans to speak along with the individuals who brought about the peaceful protest.

The organizers filed their paperwork on June 2nd with the MPD. The permit does not allow for the carrying of any firearms, handguns, or rifles.

“While we have viewed and read many Facebook comments regarding people bringing firearms to this demonstration, even for good intentions, or to show solidarity, this will not be allowed. If you show up with a firearm, you will kindly be asked to remain outside of the demonstration area.” – MPD statement

MPD affirmed that it’s the First Amendment Right for American citizens to peaceably assemble, and they will respect the wishes of and assist anyone who wants to do so. The statement also emphasized that the organizers desire to keep the protest “as peaceful as possible.”

The police department also spoke to the George Floyd case:

“While many injustices occur on a daily basis, we never support, nor condone, what occurred this past week to Mr. George Floyd or anyone else. While we will not make this about us, we will be here to support those who peacefully protest to bring awareness to their cause. Some may agree with this statement and some may not. As with anything else, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Please remember…that law enforcement is here to serve and protect everyone.”
Listed below are the following streets and sidewalks that will be closed during this event:
  • Peachtree St. and Alpine St. (Murphy Police Department)
  • Peachtree St. and Central St. (Cherokee County Courthouse)
  • Peachtree St. and Central St. (Adjacent to the Cherokee County Courthouse)
  • Peachtree St. and Valley River Ave./Hiwassee St. (Town Square)
MPD asks that anyone with questions about the protest to not “tie up any emergency lines with the Cherokee County E-911 Communications Center.”
A curfew of 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. has been issued for the Town of Murphy and will remain in effect until rescinded.

The protests began last week after the death of George Floyd, 59, who was murdered while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. Officer Derek Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Floyd’s family and others have called for a first-degree murder charge. The other three former officers also on site were charged on June 3 with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter

Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer issued a statement pertaining to Floyd’s death and the scheduled peaceful protest:

“For over a week now I have watched events unfold before our eyes that are disturbing on many levels. I was sickened to see what happened in Minneapolis to George Floyd by the hands of law enforcement officers sworn to protect and serve his community. I have watched every video that I can find of the incident from the now infamous cell phone video, body cam, and surveillance videos. I have been trying to make sense of how the officers reacted and tried my best to find some reason for their actions. What I saw was simply appeared to be NO EXCUSES what so ever.

I watched Mr. Floyd resist briefly as he was taken from his vehicle but quickly surrendered to he handcuff procedure. He was taken handcuffed and seated on a sidewalk for several minutes obviously upset but made no attempt to kick, strike, spit, or otherwise assault the officers. He was then taken across the street where he apparently collapsed to the street to his stomach. There the officers were apparently on top of him with the one officer remaining on his neck for at least eight minutes.

Mr. Floyd repeatedly stated that he could not breath and was in medical distress. Of all these actions, the one thing that disturbed me the most was the officers apparent lack of concern or empathy for Mr. Floyd. It does not matter the crime, how big or how small. There was glaring lack of empathy for the well being of another human being.

It also should not make a difference if Mr. Floyd died of asphyxiation, heart attack, or any other medical condition. He was asking for help and no help was given. Medical aid was not rendered. He expressed his fear of dying and his struggle to survive while he was being pressed into the ground all the while handcuffed.

I can not fathom how anyone can rationally justify the officers actions. In my opinion, if any officer has seen the videos and continues to defend these officers actions they should resign and turn their badge in immediately because that is not what we are about. Accidents often happen when making split second decisions, and as a result life is lost at times, but as law enforcement officers we should do everything we can to protect the lives of our citizens, including the lives of suspects involved with criminal activity. When we fail, it is our obligation and duty to rectify, retrain, regroup, and make our profession better than the way we found it.

As I have watched protests across our nation, we must remember that it is our right as citizens to protest injustice. However, I have watched protest turn into looting, rioting and attacking people and property. I do not support attacking innocent persons and criminal activity during these events. However, I do support our constitutional right to peacefully protest injustice. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Murphy Police Department has been working with local citizens who desire to assemble peacefully in the town of Murphy.

To our citizens: THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR VIOLENCE AND DISRUPTION BY THE ORGANIZERS.

We have talked with the organizers of the event and are confident that only peaceful participation is encouraged. In talking with these organizers, we agree that we all have a responsibility be a shining light in our community that will bring encouragement and solidarity to overcome injustice. We strongly discourage anyone who will try to derail the efforts and bring violence and disruption to our community. This is not just directed to persons who are planning on participating in the assembly but is directed also to anyone who would come to intimidate, harass, loot, riot or otherwise cause conflict in a peaceful demonstration.

It is the goal of the organizers and law enforcement to show solidarity in the efforts to exercise constitutional rights. It is also the goal of our local law enforcement to protect life, property, and to keep law and order.

May God bless all of us and our nation during these trying times. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27”

Chauvin held his knee to Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes even when onlookers pleaded with him to stop and Floyd had passed out from loss of air. Floyd’s family’s private autopsy concluded that his death was a result of asphyxia. Hennepin County’s medical examiner stated that the cause of death was “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.” However, both listed homicide as how Floyd died.

Floyd was accused of attempting to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. His death is the third African American death to hit the news cycle in the last two months – Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky.

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