Protesters demand justice

CELINA - A crowd gathered on the lawn of the Mercer County Courthouse Sunday to protest the death of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, joining similar movements around the nation.

Those who took part in the gathering brandished signs with numerous slogans. 'Black Lives Matter.' 'Justice 4 George Floyd.' 'I can't breathe,' the words uttered by Floyd as a Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground. 'Am I next?'

While several protests around the country have led to conflict and destruction, the one in Celina remained peaceful. In the words of one speaker, Kelsey Swann, the protesters had not gathered to hurt others, but because they were hurt. A local pastor led a prayer asking for justice and peace. People hugged one another, sang songs like Bill Withers's "Lean On Me" and the national anthem, and chanted phrases like "Black lives matter," "Silence is betrayal" and "No justice, no peace, no racist police."

Main Street in Celina was busy as people drove by or circled the block, peering out of cars and trucks to view the protestors and taking pictures and videos from their vehicles. Several drivers honked or drove by holding signs of support, earning cheers from the crowd. Others shook their heads or revved engines to drown out the chants.

The event attracted counter-protestors as well, who gathered briefly at the sidelines of the main crowd. The appearance of a thin blue line flag, a symbol of the Blue Lives Matter countermovement, was met by loud shouts of "Black Lives Matter" from the main group. Counter-protesters argued the message of the gathering felt accusatory to local law enforcement.

On the occasions that tempers began to flare, however, protesters quickly calmed one another, urging each other not to react to negativity.

"What goes down in history will be our reaction," one yelled.

One protester, Vilisia Mitchem, took up the position Floyd was forced into as she laid on the ground, hands held behind her back. Originally from Delaware, Mitchem said she had moved to the area and is one of the few black members of the community.

She said she had experienced racism locally, and that while not everyone in the area was racist, many people are - and recently, she could feel a "chill in the air." As a mother, Mitchem said she was constantly trying to educate her teenage son, who was also in the crowd at the protest. Her son's cousin is a state highway patrol officer, and is always giving them tips on how to stay safe.

Speaking out was a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation, according to Mitchem, as even people who aren't racist might feel they're being targeted. However, she said she was loving the support the community had shown Sunday at the protest. Though dealing with racism in America was a discouraging situation, people had to rise above the hate, she said.

"Anger is not going to overcome anything. Anger will build up inside. Peacefully protesting is the correct way," she said.

At the same time, she called for others to show solidarity. People asking for change support businesses throughout the city of Celina and the rest of the country, she said, but those organizations don't show them the same support. People can't hide behind their businesses and churches, she said.

"This is supposed to be the land of the free and home of the brave. You can't sit at home and say you're brave when you're hiding."

After the protest on Sunday afternoon, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel and Celina councilman Eric Lochtefeld took to Facebook to express appreciation for the people of Mercer County and show support for the protestors.

"Everyone, including every level of our government, must acknowledge the pain and hurt that is pushing people to the streets, and trying to have their voice heard. Peaceful demonstrations are happening throughout the country and their voices are being drowned out by a select few. I'm doing my job as a white ally: listening. Will you join me?" Lochtefeld wrote.

"Today, several members of our community came together in a peaceful demonstration and walk. Those that participated in this event were respectful of one another and to the community around them," the post from the MCSO read.

"Celina is a proud community that welcomes diversity. Once again, our community demonstrated character today as some observed and others participated in the demonstration and march in Celina without incident. 1st Amendment Rights must always be preserved and respected by those with different views. Our ability to listen to others and understand differences always serves to make us better," Hazel wrote.