Protesters kneel for 8 minutes and 46 seconds outside Atchison's City Hall, Wednesday, June 3, in memory of George Floyd, whose death during an arrest in Minnesota sparked nationwide protests. (Credit: Brian Hagen/MSC News)
(KAIR)--Residents of local communities Wednesday joined the nation in remembering George Floyd, whose death during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota sparked protests calling for changes in systemic problems within policing that negatively affect African-Americans, including deaths.
In Atchison, a crowd of more than 100 gathered on the south side lawn of Atchison’s City Hall. Black Lives Matter banners and t-shirts were seen among the crowd.
More of a rally than a protest, and intended for local youth, attendees were joined by members of the Atchison Police Department, first taking a knee to kneel for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the time that Floyd was pinned to the ground, leading to his death.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson answered questions and listened to grievances from those gathered.
Wilson, at the conclusion, told MSC News he felt the dialogue was positive.
(Photos: Brian Hagen/MSC News)
Earlier Wednesday afternoon, protesters took to the streets of Holton.
Photo credits: Left: Jake Spalding/MSC News; Right: Justin Fluke/MSC News
In Hiawatha, a prayer vigil and peaceful protesting event “Hiawatha Believes Black Lives Matter” is set for this evening, Thursday, June 4, around the fountain adjacent to the Hiawatha Police Department in downtown Hiawatha, starting at 5:00. Community members are invited to join.
According to a Facebook post about the event, speakers will include a prayer by Pastor Andrew Finch, comments by Brooke Grier, prayer by Shug Cadue and comments by Jason Thomas, both of the Kickapoo Tribe.
As COVID-19 is still a threat, organizers recommend masks and maintaining social distancing.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested