A second demonstration is planned in Athens Saturday in honor of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African-Americans killed by police. Co-founder of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, Mokah Jasmine Johnson is one of the organizers.
“We’re going to move with our rally and to amplify our voices for the injustice that keeps on occurring,” Johnson said. “Because whether we stay in our homes, as you can see, even during a pandemic, people are being killed by law enforcement officers."
With reports of protestors from Sunday’s event testing positive for coronavirus, organizers are taking some additional precautions.
“We’re just going to try to do it as safely and securely as possible. We’re going do a live stream so that we’re encouraging older people and people that know that they have tested positive to stay home.”
In the wake of recent events, including people using tear gas, ‘bean bags’, and ‘sponge’ rounds on protestors; changes are being put in place.
“We’re just going to try to make it the best experience possible, Since the recent chain of events, we’ve decided to not actually march as we would want to around the city because it would be more difficult for people to keep their space. But we’re just going to do the best that we can.”
The AADM’s Justice for black lives for peaceful social distancing rally is Saturday, June 6 at 2 pm at City Hall.