By: Sara Nevis | Photo Editor | [email protected]
By: Rose Vega | Editor-in-chief | [email protected]
Demonstrators gathered at Cesar E. Chavez Plaza May 31 in Sacramento to protest the death of George Floyd, who was killed in Minneapolis after being detained by police May 25. Among the protestors was Stevante Clark, brother of Stephon Clark, former City College student who was fatally shot by Sacramento police March 18, 2018.
“This is a non-violent protest,” said Clark, stressing that most demonstrators did not participate in subsequent property destruction and looting in downtown Sacramento. “The looting that you saw—there were no signs that said, ‘No justice, no peace’—those people were looting because they came after the protest, [and] they tried to capitalize.”
The May 31 demonstration marked the third day of protests in Sacramento, which started with a May 29 demonstration in Oak Park organized by Black Lives Matter Sacramento, according to The Sacramento Bee.
“I’m hoping for people to learn that it’s OK to come in solidarity, but we have to organize,” Clark said. “Solidarity without organization is useless. I would like for us to take notes on how we are protesting, get organized, form our own de-escalation tactical teams, start resource centers, start reaching out and being our brothers’ keeper in ways we never have. That’s the only way we combat this oppressive system. Until we become intellectually independent as a people, they will keep killing us. So we need to learn to protect ourselves.”
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Diana Martinez • Aug 27, 2020 at 1:15 am
Fantastic photos. You’ve captured history! the expressions, and emotions are so visable it made me feel as though I was there too. Excellent work.