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George Floyd protests in Georgia

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This article is about George Floyd protests in the American state of Georgia. For George Floyd protests in the country of Georgia, see International George Floyd protests § Georgia.
George Floyd protests in Georgia
Part of George Floyd protests
Protesters in Atlanta on June 19, 2020 (Juneteenth)
DateMay 28, 2020 – present (4 years, 5 months, 3 weeks and 1 day)
Location
Georgia, United States
Caused by
StatusOngoing
Map
Cities in Georgia in which a protest with about 100 or more participants was held (
)

A series of George Floyd protests in Georgia, United States have occurred, includine eleven consecutive days of protests and rallys occurring in Atlanta as of June 8, 2020.[3] As of July 2020, protests have occurred in twenty various cities and communities in the state.

Locations

Albany

On May 30, about 40 or 50 protesters peaceably demonstrated with signs and chants. They lined up along Slappey Boulevard on a vacant lot, where they were joined by local officials and supplied with bottled water by Albany police.[4]

Athens

Protesters blocked Broad Street starting around lunchtime on May 29 at the University of Georgia.[5] On May 31, several hundred protesters marched through downtown for several hours ending at the Arch. By midnight, a group of 100 would not leave, and police subsequently used tear gas to disperse it.[6]

Atlanta

Atlanta Police Department and the Army National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team on the night of May 30 (top); National Guard and protesters at the Governor's Mansion on May 30 (middle); Police and National Guard at Centennial Olympic Park on May 31 (bottom)

A peaceful march occurred on May 29 at Centennial Olympic Park and was attended by hundreds. At around noon, protesters marched to the CNN Center, which was then vandalized by protesters starting a few minutes later. Specifically, some protesters vandalized the CNN logo that is seen at the entrance, broke the doors and windows, and began throwing objects at police officers in the lobby starting around 9:00 p.m. However, they were dispersed in a few hours and never got to go any further than the lobby. The windows and doors were boarded up, and the sign was repainted the next morning, later, a fence was put up to ward off additional protesters. [7] As tensions between protesters and police escalated, police began using tear gas on protesters. Protesters threw water bottles, eggs, and other objects at officers, burned police cars, and defaced businesses. The College Football Hall of Fame's gift shop was looted; Hall of Fame CEO Kimberly Beaudin told ESPN that "no artifacts or displays were damaged."[8] Three officers were injured in the clashes, including one who was run over by an ATV.[9][10]

At midnight, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Fulton County and authorized 500 National Guard members to aid law enforcement in the city.[11] Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and rapper and activist Killer Mike decried the riots.[12] By Saturday, May 30 at 5:30, 71 arrests had been made in Atlanta, and one demonstrator was reported shot.[13][14]

Also on May 30, after initially ordering two black college students to continue driving their car, Atlanta police pulled them from their car, broke a car window, and used Tasers to shock them. Within days, six officers were charged as a result of the incident; two were fired and four were put on administrative leave. The Fulton County District Attorney, Paul Howard, stated that the two college students were "innocent almost to the point of being naive.[15][16][17]

On June 3, APD reported that 425 protesters were arrested between May 29 and June 1. Of those arrested, 51 people (~12%) were not from Georgia.[18]

On June 13, after the police killed Rayshard Brooks the night before, protesters clashed with police and burned down the Wendy's where Brooks was killed.[19]

On July 4, 2020, a "predominantly Black group of heavily armed protesters" rallied at Stone Mountain Park, the birthplace of the modern Ku Klux Klan, calling for the removal of a large rock relief on the mountain's north face that has been described by the president of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP as "the largest shrine to white supremacy in the history of the world".[20][21] A spokesperson for the Stone Mountain Memorial Association stated that "the protesters were peaceful and orderly".[20]

Augusta

On May 30, about 60 people marched on Wrightsboro Road. The event was organized on Facebook.[22] On May 31, hundreds of demonstrators marched down Washington Road chanting and holding signs. Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree spoke and deputies marched with the group. On June 6, 2,000 demonstrators marched through Downtown Augusta chanting and holding up signs that said “Black Lives Matter”. Augusta-Richmond County Mayor Hardie Davis spoke to demonstrators at the Augusta Riverwalk and expressed how happy he was that the protests in Augusta were peaceful and he said “We will get change”. Ahmaud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones was a special guest and one of few who spoke to protesters about the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor and how they are smiling down from heaven knowing there will be change.[23]

Carrollton

Over 100 protestors demonstrated peacefully in Adamson Square on Sunday, May 31.[24] A second peaceful protest was organized for Monday, June 1 by University of West Georgia students and attracted hundreds of participants.[25]

On Sunday, June 7, one week after the first protest, demonstrators again gathered in Adamson Square. The protestors marched to Courthouse Park to stand in front of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, erected in January 2020,[26] and next to the Carroll County Confederate Monument, erected in April 1910.[27]

Cartersville

About 200 protesters demonstrated peacefully on the steps of the Bartow County Courthouse for an hour on Saturday, May 30.[28] Some stayed afterwards to pick up litter from the courthouse grounds.[29]

Columbus

Over 200 protesters walked peacefully along Broadway through downtown Columbus on Sunday afternoon, May 31, with a police escort under the supervision of the mayor and the county sheriff. After the march ended about 3 p.m., some protesters regrouped and walked up 13th Street, blocking traffic; 22 of them were arrested for failing to disperse, a misdemeanor.[30]

Dacula

On June 4th, approximately 500 protestors rallied at Hamilton Mill, showing their support for Black Lives Matter and protesting the death of George Floyd. They marched from Hamilton Mill to Duncan Creek Park, displaying signs of George Floyd, among others, while chanting his name.[31]

Dalton

On Monday, June 1, several dozen demonstrators marched peacefully, escorted by city police, from Harmon Field to the Whitfield County Courthouse and then to City Hall.[32]

Hinesville

Protestors outside the Liberty County Justice Center in Hinesville, Georgia

On Thursday, June 4, hundreds of protestors marched in a peaceful protest that included speeches from Congressman Buddy Carter and State Representative Al Williams.[33][34]

Kennesaw

Over 100 protesters rallied on campus at Kennesaw State University and marched to downtown Kennesaw on June 1. Protesters met with Kennesaw Police and peacefully discussed their concerns.[35]

Louisville

Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Louisville, Georgia to demand social justice on June 13. They also demanded the removal of Old Market, a circa-1795 open-air structure in the center of town which was once used as a slave market.[36]

Macon

Hundreds gathered on Sunday, May 31, in Rosa Parks Square downtown for an "Ecumenical Day of Solidarity" organized by local clergy to honor the memories of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor with songs, chants, and prayers. The event was attended by Bibb County Sheriff David Davis and two of his deputies.[37]

Marietta

On June 1, over 100 protesters marched from Laurel Park to Marietta Square. Officers of the Marietta Police Department worked with protest organizers on the event.[38]

Newnan

Dozens of protesters gathered for a peaceful rally at the Coweta County Courthouse on the evening of May 30.[39]

Rome

A group of about 100 demonstrators[40] protested peacefully at the Rome City Hall on Sunday afternoon, May 31.[41]

Sandy Springs

On June 6, around 250 demonstrated along Mount Vernon Highway, outside Sandy Springs City Hall. Mayor Rusty Paul attended the event and expressed his support for the protesters.[42] On June 8, another protest took place outside City Hall, where around 50 people demonstrated against police violence.[43]

Savannah

Hundreds of protesters began a march from City Hall on May 31. Some group members went to Martin Luther King Boulevard, while others went to City Market.[44]

Statesboro

An estimated 300 protestors[45] gathered near the Bulloch County Courthouse on May 31.[46]

Thomasville

Nearly 100 protesters, escorted by city police, marched peacefully from the Farmer's Market to Remington Park on Sunday afternoon, May 31, chanting and waving signs, and receiving honks of support from passing motorists.[47]

Valdosta

About 50 protesters assembled on the grounds of the Lowndes County Courthouse on the afternoon of May 30 for a peaceful demonstration, and were acknowledged by passing motorists with honks of support.[48] On June 3, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk tussled with a protester over a sign that had foul language. The brief altercation ended with Paulk and the protesters shaking hands. There were no injuries, no arrests, no charges filed, and the protest remained peaceful.[49]

Warner Robins

On May 30, dozens of protesters marched two miles through the city to start a conversation about police brutality.[50]

Government response

Governor Brian Kemp announced on May 31 that he had authorized 3,000 National Guard troops ready to be deployed to cities across the state.[51]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to George Floyd protests in Georgia (U.S. state).

References

  1. ^ Robertson, Nicky (May 30, 2020). "US surgeon general says "there is no easy prescription to heal our nation"". CNN. Retrieved May 30, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b Goldberg, Michelle (May 29, 2020). "Opinion - America Is a Tinderbox". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  3. ^ Alexis Stevens, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Atlanta protests: On 11th day, Kemp ends National Guard's involvement". ajc. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  4. ^ Fletcher, Carlton (May 30, 2020). "Albany protesters hold peaceful demonstration". Albany Herald. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  5. ^ "Photos: Protesters block Broad Street during a demonstration for the death of George Floyd". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  6. ^ Editor, Hunter Riggall | Senior. "BREAKING: Police use tear gas to disperse Athens protesters at the Arch". The Red and Black. Retrieved June 1, 2020. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ Fernando Alfonso III. "CNN Center in Atlanta damaged during protests". CNN. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  8. ^ Schlabach, Mark (May 30, 2020). "College Football Hall of Fame damaged by protesters". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  9. ^ "See the aftermath of protests outside CNN Center in Atlanta". May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  10. ^ "Gov. Kemp declared a state of emergency in Fulton County in response to violent protests in Atlanta". FOX 5 Atlanta. May 30, 2020.
  11. ^ Stevens, Alexis; Habersham, Raisa; Suggs, Ernie; Stirgus, Eric; Brasch, Ben; Pointer, Alyssa; Christian Boone, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Atlanta responds to George Floyd killing: Violence erupts downtown". ajc. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  12. ^ "Protests, some violent, spread to NYC, Atlanta in wake of George Floyd death". The Day. May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  13. ^ Shaddi, Abusaid. "UPDATE: 71 arrested during night of violent protests in Atlanta". ajc. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  14. ^ "News List | Atlanta Police Department". www.atlantapd.org. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  15. ^ Deere, Stephen; Boone, Christian (June 1, 2020). "Police body camera footage reveals details of confrontation". Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  16. ^ Brumback, Kate (June 3, 2020). "6 Atlanta officers charged after students pulled from car". Associated Press. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  17. ^ Burns, Asia (June 2, 2020). "6 Atlanta officers charged after confrontation with college students". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on June 2, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  18. ^ Abusaid, Shaddi (June 3, 2020). "Majority of protesters arrested last weekend were from Atlanta, figures show". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  19. ^ Moshtaghian, Artemis; Croft, Jay; Murphy, Paul P.; McCleary, Kelly; Vera, Amir (June 13, 2020). "Atlanta officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks has been terminated". CNN. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  20. ^ a b Gorman, Steve (July 5, 2020). "Predominantly Black armed protesters march through Confederate memorial park in Georgia". Reuters. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  21. ^ "Stone Mountain: A Monumental Dilemma". Southern Poverty Law Center. February 10, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  22. ^ "Protesters gather on Wrightsboro Road Saturday for a peaceful march". WJBF. May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  23. ^ Proto, Laura Pugliese, Nicholas. "Hundreds marched down Washington Road in unity chanting, "WE can't breathe"". www.wrdw.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Drolet, Gerald. "Carrollton George Floyd Protest". YouTube. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  25. ^ "Carrollton police officers dance to 'Cupid Shuffle' with protesters". Fox 5 Atlanta. Fox 5 Atlanta. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  26. ^ johncarrollton189. "Future Home of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument". Carrollton MLK Coalition. Retrieved 7 June 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Sprinterman. "Carroll County Confederate Monument-Carrollton, Georgia". Waymarking. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  28. ^ Whaley, Kevin; Abusaid, Shaddi (May 30, 2020). "'Violence doesn't solve anything': Protesters exhibit peace, unity at Cartersville rally". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  29. ^ Swift, James (May 30, 2020). "Hundreds turn out for demonstration in Bartow". The Daily Tribune News. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  30. ^ Dean, Allie; Chitwood, Tim (May 31, 2020). "'This has got to stop': Hundreds march in downtown Columbus to protest police brutality". Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  31. ^ Chamian Cruz (June 4, 2020). "Protesters march along Hamilton Mill Parkway". Gwinnett Daily Post. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  32. ^ "Peaceful protesters in Dalton seek justice reform". WTVC. June 1, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  33. ^ "Peaceful protest takes place in Hinesville". MSN. June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ^ Lewis, Ricardo (June 5, 2020). "Demonstrators speak out for change at Hinesville peaceful protest". WSAV-TV. Retrieved June 15, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. ^ Gillooly, Jon; Ballew, Shannon. "Peaceful protests in Kennesaw, Marietta draw hundreds". MDJOnline.com. Retrieved 2020-06-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. ^ Vickers, Kim; Means, Brad (June 14, 2020). "Another weekend of protests in the CSRA begins in Jefferson County". News Channel 6 WJBF. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020.
  37. ^ Slinkard, Caleb (May 31, 2020). "Macon community gathers at Rosa Parks Square to honor George Floyd, call for change". The Macon Telegraph. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  38. ^ "Protesters work with police to hold peaceful march in downtown Marietta". 11 Alive. June 1, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  39. ^ Leftwich, Rebecca (May 30, 2020). "Protests over Floyd, Arbery deaths in downtown Newnan". Newnan Times-Herald. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  40. ^ Schulte, Grant (June 7, 2020). "George Floyd protests spread to smaller, mostly white towns". Associated Press.
  41. ^ "[VIDEO] Peaceful protest in Downtown Rome Sunday". WRGA News. May 31, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  42. ^ "Sandy Springs mayor attends protest, applauds activism". Reporter Newspapers. June 9, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  43. ^ "Protesters at Sandy Springs City Hall condemn racism, police brutality". Reporter Newspapers. June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  44. ^ Cawthon, Graham (May 31, 2020). "Hundreds take to the streets in downtown Savannah to protest killing of George Floyd". WJCL. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  45. ^ Saxon, Holli Deal (June 1, 2020). "Statesboro joins protests peacefully". Statesboro Herald. Retrieved June 19, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  46. ^ Cannady, Dal (June 2, 2020). "Statesboro rally a step in the right direction for some". WTOC-TV. Gray Television. Retrieved June 19, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  47. ^ Donahue, Pat (May 31, 2020). "Peaceful protest draws dozens of marchers". Thomasville Times Enterprise. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  48. ^ Richards, Terry (May 30, 2020). "Valdosta crowd protests George Floyd's death". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  49. ^ "Sheriff, protestor tussle over sign in front of Lowndes courthouse". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  50. ^ "Protesters gather in peace in Warner Robins". WMAZ. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  51. ^ Press, Kate Brumback and Brynn Anderson, Associated. "Kemp authorizes 3,000 Guard troops for protests in Georgia". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved May 31, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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