Monday, June 15, 2020

Peaceful Protest Held in Shenandoah to Stand with BLM Movement and Demand Change

After two similar protests in the city of Pottsville in Schuylkill County, a peaceful protest was held Sunday afternoon in the borough of Shenandoah to join others in pushing the message of the "Black Lives Matter" movement as well as equality for all.


The protest involved about 25 to 30 individuals who carried signs and flags in protest of the recent killing of African Americans who died at the hands of police brutality.

The crowd marched from Bicentennial Park near Mrs. T's and followed a route to the Miner's Memorial chanting the names of "George Floyd" and "Brianna Taylor", who were both killed by police.

While the protest was against the recent police brutality, the protest also included the support for law enforcement as one member walked carried the "Thin Blue Line" flag.

After marching and having a moment of silence at the Miner's Memorial, the march continued to the intersection of Main and Center Streets.

Throughout the route, 4 men followed the protesters wearing "Make America Great Again" hats questioning the motives of the march as well as trying to over speak them.

Those driving by agreeing with protest's message honked and waved as they passed.

The protest lasted approximately an hour and a half before moving back to bicentennial park and dispersing.

Organizer Raquel Heckman said "We were so happy to have everyone out marching together in unity and using their voices to be heard. We did have some people against us but we made it all happen while staying peaceful!"

Assisting with security during the protest were Shenandoah Police with help from officers from around the area as well as the Schuylkill County Sheriff's office.