Peace and solidarity mark protest in Sarasota. It was a big day around the country

As hundreds of people gathered to honor George Floyd in Minneapolis, hundreds more gathered to protest in Sarasota on Thursday afternoon, hoping to stop the cycle of deaths, funerals and cries for justice.

Someone accused Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, of using a fake $20 bill on May 25. Less than 20 minutes later, he was unconscious on the ground, his stomach against the pavement and handcuffs on his wrists.

Derek Chauvin, a white officer who was later fired from the Minneapolis Police Department, was shown on video holding his knee against Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes, prompting swift protests. People throughout the nation and the world have marched this week, chanting Floyd’s name and a familiar slogan: “I can’t breathe.”

Chauvin faced a charge of third-degree murder after Floyd’s death, but the charge was elevated to second-degree murder on Wednesday. His former colleagues — Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng — face charges of aiding and abetting. They were expected to make a court appearance on Thursday afternoon.

Around the same time, approximately 200 people gathered at the Unconditional Surrender monument, preparing for a walk through downtown Sarasota. The Leaders Rights Organization, a new group, led the march to Dr. Martin Luther King Way, while city police and state troopers redirected traffic.

“We believe in peaceful protests because we align ourselves a lot with what Martin Luther King says. The anarchists are the ones who take advantage of this mob mentality and throw bricks,” said Shawn Cacciola, one of the organizers.

Asking for police reform

Cacciola said he wanted immediate reform, starting with universal body cameras at all law enforcement agencies, and swift action on all complaints of racism or excessive force.

“They should be put under immediate scrutiny, if not fired, and not able to reclaim their job in a different county,” he said.

“Of course we know that not all cops are bad,” he continued. “The cops who are silent, the cops who condone that kind of violence with their silence, we don’t support that.”

The majority of protesters gathered at the monument before Thursday’s march. Devyn Flaherty held a sign above her head, the message inscribed with black marker: “I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand with you.”

“I know that I grew up with privilege that a lot of people, a lot of minorities, are never going to get,” she said. “I’m not going to pretend that it wasn’t there. I just want them to understand that I’m here for them.”

An organized march

Alaina Martinez, one of the co-organizers, urged the crowd to drink water, take breaks and remain positive.

“I urge you to turn the other cheek,” she said. “I urge you to walk on and just tell them to have a good day, or even introduce yourself.”

The protesters soon walked down Bayfront Drive, and a small group of people showed their disdain, pointing and cursing at the crowd. The protesters heeded instructions, ignoring the critics and continuing on to Main Street.

They were met with sporadic clapping, smiles and the occasional raised fist. David Daly stood outside of Bottleblonde76, a salon he operates with his wife, Samantha, and they offered two cases of water to support the march.

“I think them exercising their right to protest peacefully is awesome, and I want to support them,” he said.

Among the protesters was 19-year-old Rece Hinds. He wore a red Colin Kaepernick jersey and held a sign above his head: “None are free when some are oppressed.”

Hinds said he felt that Kaepernick inspired the country’s youth to fight inequality, at the expense of his own NFL career.

“I just hope to see reform and justice,” Hinds said.

The protesters in Sarasota were largely young, but there was a diverse range of ages, races and ethnicities at the demonstration.

Howard Rooks, 85, was on his daily walk with Sylvie, a French bulldog. Rooks smiled and took a moment to appreciate the crowd.

“This is helping, because it’s bringing attention to the fact that we really need more justice,” he said. “We care.”

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 4:18 PM.