On July 8, hundreds of inspired people gathered at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. As you approached the landmark area, you heard chants rising into the air: “We’re taking back our neighborhoods. We’re taking back our street”; “We’re fired up. We’re fed up”; “United we stand. Divided we fall”; “No justice. No peace.” These people wanted their voices to be heard. These people demand a change. These people, Black, White, and of various backgrounds, desire unity, peace and justice.
The protest was initiated because of the two killings of Black men during that week by police authorities. One took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the victim, Alton Sterling, was shot and killed while selling CDs. The other occurred in Minneapolis where Philando Castile was shot in his car in front of a young child and a woman while reaching for his identification. Detroit took this matter to social media and the word circulated quickly along with an invitation to all to come together and talk about police brutality and other issues happening in the African American community.
Though it is said that no particular group led this protest, organizations such as New Era Detroit (N.E.D) were present to provide security as well as Occupy the Corner Detroit led by Councilwoman Mary Sheffield. The people of Detroit took turns encouraging the African American community to invest into Black-owned businesses and to learn how to educate the young Black community, because they are the next generation. The African American community was also encouraged to stop killing each other and to take a stand for what they believe in while being organized and using wisdom. They spoke about not being respected and being afraid of being “Black in America.” The attire of some spoke louder than their words.
The protestors marched down the streets of Detroit circling Campus Martius and Greektown with signs reading, “Am I Next?”; “I Don’t Have To Be Black 2 Be Outraged” and “Black Lives Matter.”
Considering the great number of protests happening in America, especially the one prior to this in Dallas where five police officers were killed, Detroit demonstrated that they can take a stand and talk about what they believe in while keeping the peace.
