My experience protesting.

[HomerJS]

Taking a cue from the other homer I attended 2 rallies today. The first in my local community of Collegeville. The second in the city of Philadelphia.

The local rally was a quiet service for the memory of George Floyd. The second part was an acknowledgement for the need for Black Lives Matter. To sum up the message for white people they need to have that uncomfortable conversation with a black person. I appreciated they didn't in any way attempt to water down BLM.





Phila was way more active. Breakout protests, marching, dancing, screaming at cops and troopers but they just ignored and let people have their space and say. It was a very fulfilling day for me. I'll add MP4s soon as I figure how to import

 

[Homerboy]

Taking a cue from the other homer I attended 2 rallies today. The first in my local community of Collegeville. The second in the city of Philadelphia.

The local rally was a quiet service for the memory of George Floyd. The second part was an acknowledgement for the need for Black Lives Matter. To sum up the message for white people they need to have that uncomfortable conversation with a black person. I appreciated they didn't in any way attempt to water down BLM.





Phila was way more active. Breakout protests, marching, dancing, screaming at cops and troopers but they just ignored and let people have their space and say. It was a very fulfilling day for me. I'll add MP4s soon as I figure how to import

Rad. Good on ya, @HomerJS

I sadly didn't get out this weekend. But my wife did on Sunday with my two sisters, my nephew a good friend and her daughter as well. The friend was very hesitant to go, not because of it being a "protest" or being against the message/cause (she is quite the opposite). She has quite severe social anxiety dealing with crowds but she felt it was her duty and responsibility to get out there. She was immensely moved and proud of the whole thing when she was done. They all did the Milwaukee Bucks organized one that ended up meeting with 3 more downtown marches (including one for differently-abled folks) and it ended up being HUGE. That's 10 straight days of marches in Milwaukee which makes me very proud and borderline optimistic.

I was a little bummed I didn't get out. I ended up donating some cash to the Frank Nitty driven funds. That dude is a local super hero right now. Look him up. He's doing so much and doing it right.

 

[Stokely]

As much as I'd like to get out there--no way in hell with CV still being a thing. Even if everyone in the crowds had masks on--which they don't--standing there packed for hours with shouting people (outdoors or not) is not wise. The timing sucks, it's very unfortunate, because the protests are very important.

I have to wonder if these rallies for Black Lives Matter are going to be a cause for more Black (and other) deaths.

I have two very at-risk people living with me so no way I was going out.

 

[Homerboy]

As much as I'd like to get out there--no way in hell with CV still being a thing. Even if everyone in the crowds had masks on--which they don't--standing there packed for hours with shouting people (outdoors or not) is not wise. The timing sucks, it's very unfortunate, because the protests are very important.

I have to wonder if these rallies for Black Lives Matter are going to be a cause for more Black (and other) deaths.

I have two very at-risk people living with me so no way I was going out.

With at risk people in your direct household, it makes perfect sense not to go out that march. And trust me, CV weighed heavily on my mind each time I was out there. I did what I could to keep distance between myself and others whenever I could. It really is a horrible shame that both these things are happening at the same time. It's really a no win situation.

You can help in other ways too though. Donations to the organizers of the march (water, snacks, cash). You can drive in support. You can stand on the sidewalk (from a safe distance) as they pass by and cheer/chant is solidarity (it really was uplifting to see support). And, quite simply you can keep supporting online, in person, anywhere you feel comfortable.

 

[Stokely]

Good points. I got off anti-social media a couple years back so my options are a bit limited there, but donating water etc sounds great. Apparently my area (Orlando) had a huge turnout. That is saying something considering it's about 900% humidity and "Africa Hot" (to steal from Biloxi Blues).

 

[Homerboy]

Good points. I got off anti-social media a couple years back so my options are a bit limited there, but donating water etc sounds great. Apparently my area (Orlando) had a huge turnout. That is saying something considering it's about 900% humidity and "Africa Hot" (to steal from Biloxi Blues).

Yeah - we've found that there's are countless ways to help out. My wife has sewn a pile of masks that a local business was handing out to protesters too. Quite literally, every little bit helps. Armies (of change) need support.

 

[HomerJS]

As much as I'd like to get out there--no way in hell with CV still being a thing. Even if everyone in the crowds had masks on--which they don't--standing there packed for hours with shouting people (outdoors or not) is not wise. The timing sucks, it's very unfortunate, because the protests are very important.

I have to wonder if these rallies for Black Lives Matter are going to be a cause for more Black (and other) deaths.

I have two very at-risk people living with me so no way I was going out.

I understand, that's why I don't invite anyone to come with me. COVID risk along with the possibility of police confrontations. Fortunately 100% peaceful AFAIK. Had to take subway to get there so that skeeved me out a little. All being said day was pretty inspiring. That trip was City Hall. If I go back this weekend it will be JFK Boulevard/Art Museum.

 

[Fenixgoon]

There was a local protest I didn't make it to this weekend, but in a couple of weeks there's going to be another march and I'm planning on getting out to support the marchers and give out water to people.
I take immunosuppressants so big crowds are no good for me right now. And to me, giving time and doing something is far more meaningful than donating money

 

[HomerJS]

There was a local protest I didn't make it to this weekend, but in a couple of weeks there's going to be another march and I'm planning on getting out to support the marchers and give out water to people.
I take immunosuppressants so big crowds are no good for me right now. And to me, giving time and doing something is far more meaningful than donating money

People in Phila were giving out water, bananas and snacks. There are a lot of good people out there.