Sept. 24, 2020 7:10p
(WGTD)---Close to 100 people listened to a round of over an hour's worth of speeches decrying racial injustice and promoting equality at a rally held Thursday evening in Kenosha.
New this time: Observers wearing blue vests from the American Civil Liberties Union, and several African-Americans openly displaying guns.
The rally was held in front of Grace Lutheran Church on 60th St. following a march through town.Traffic on the street was blocked by police.
Organizers called the event to demand the immediate firing of the police officer who shot and wounded Jacob Blake, and that the officer face a charge of attempted murder. The protest was also meant to show solidarity with those in Louisville who were upset at how authorities handled the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor. The Rev. Jesse Jackson was part of the protest.
The guns may have been a reaction to what occurred the evening of Aug. 25th when armed white men confronted Jacob Blake protesters after they were driven away from the courthouse. Two protesters were killed and a third wounded when a 17-year-old Illinois boy opened fire. Kyle Rittenhouse is fighting extradition from Illinois to face charges in Wisconsin.
The ACLU's involvement follows a lawsuit it filed in federal court alleging that the curfew put in place in response to the protests and violence in the wake of the Blake shooting was not legally valid.
Thursday evening's rally was peaceful.
Meanwhile, the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha will hold a block party Saturday promoting change outside of its office at 1418 68th St in Kenosha from 1 until 4. The event is being co-sponsored by over 16 community groups. Masks are required.
-0-
