“I could barely watch and it hurts me. I don’t want no violence. I just want peace and quiet and respect for me, my son. My family.”
–Brenda Ramos, mother of Mike Ramos who was shot by an Austin police officer
“Peace on the left. Justice on the right.”
–Terrance Floyd, brother of George Floyd who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, calling for a stop to the violence and destruction
Make no mistake. Those who are inciting civil unrest, property damage, hatred towards other human beings, and division across our country are not honoring the lives of George Floyd, Mike Ramos, and the countless list of minorities who have been victims of racism and injustice in this country. Even the most heartbroken – the loved ones that these men left behind – recognize that the most effective means to honor their memories is to seek change through respectful and peaceful dialogue.
The minority community has America’s full attention and now is the time to join together at the table to identify what continues to drive and promote racism, ways the system is broken, and how to bring about meaningful, lasting change.
We must look to those who are setting this example and not let our minds, hearts, and emotions be bogged down by the negative images that bombard us by the media. Slowly, we are starting to see the beautiful impact of coming together, and the rays of freedom and free speech across this land making a difference, as the hopeful participants and observers begin sharing these images of love, understanding, and unity.
Conversations between @Austin_Police officers and protesters continued last night. This is something protesters said they’ve been wanting. @KVUE pic.twitter.com/upigpHwlt1
— Molly Oak (@MollyAndAMic) June 2, 2020
POWERFUL MOMENT: KVUE's @MollyAndAMic captured the moment when #Austin officers embraced and shook hands with protesters outside of APD's headquarters yesterday. #Austinprotest pic.twitter.com/rQ8eaD4AOs
— KVUE News (@KVUE) June 2, 2020
POWERFUL MOMENT: KVUE's @MollyAndAMic captures the moments where #Austin police officers are seen marching with protesters arm in arm.
— KVUE News (@KVUE) June 2, 2020
MORE: https://t.co/1xK5YMVE2o pic.twitter.com/ICO0MWlgUd
Awesome moment. These peaceful demonstrators coordinated with @Austin_Police to get a full escort down Congress back to APD headquarters Monday night. What a sight. pic.twitter.com/h4bw3w3B5e
— Alex Caprariello (@alcaprari23) June 2, 2020
New Jersey protest breaks into dance
20 Pictures Of The Protests That You Definitely Didn’t See All Over The News