Local clergy and educators joined in the ongoing protests at Hill Wheatley Plaza Tuesday as part of the national demonstrations against police brutality that erupted following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died May 25 while being pinned under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer.
"I'm out today because black rights are human rights. The African American community needs us to stand up with them. We want justice," said Father Marcus Emmons of Christ Anglican Church.
While protests have also led to violence and destruction of property in Little Rock and elsewhere, the demonstrations in Hot Springs have been mostly peaceful.
"We had a couple of altercations, but nothing serious. ... This will be day four. When I saw (the woman standing alone the first day), it almost brought tears to my eyes to see her out there by herself. The only one out there and being an older white lady," said one of the protesters, Michael Honey.
"We're all human. We're going to be here forever, you know. It's not about one race, it's about the human race."
Teachers and administration from Hot Springs World Class High School also joined the protest on Tuesday, holding signs signifying they too stand in solidarity with the protests nationwide.
"I'm choosing to be an ally so publicly because, apparently, a lot of people have a hard time listening to people of color. They're dismissing what they say and refuse to notice the injustices," said Demerti Cooley.
"Some people listen better when a white person speaks. Honestly, as white people, we should stand up. Just because it is not affecting us doesn't mean we shouldn't stand up for someone down the road who it is affecting," Cooley said.
Each night, the protest wraps up at 10 p.m., when the plaza closes. Before they leave, one protester said they sweep the area for any trash left behind and dispose of it in one of four trash cans provided by the city. Honey noted that anything happening after 10 p.m. is not associated with the group protesting.
"It's all about justice and we're all made in God's image and likeness. But we especially need to recognize that some people have been denied that," said Father Robert Odom with St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Many members of the community have delivered water and snacks to the protesters over the last three days. Honey said anything not used during the protest will be donated to Jackson House.
As far as how long the protests will last, Honey said that us up to the people.
"It's strictly up to the people. If they want to come down the next day after, or whatever the case may be, we'll be here. I am here to make sure everyone is heard and everyone stays within the guidelines," Honey said.
"If you look at the crowd that is coming through downtown, honking their horn at you, it is older white people. If they can forget the past, they've seen way more than we have and been through way more, then we should be able to. It's 2020 and this shouldn't be happening."
Local on 06/03/2020