Over 20 people participated in the weekly racial injustice protest at the Greene County Courthouse in Jefferson Tuesday.
Co-organizer Dale Hanaman started the rally by reading a passage from the book “White People Talking to White People” by Aaron Myers. Hanaman asked a series of rhetorical questions concerning race, such as setting boundaries and debating racism doesn’t give the opportunity to listen to other points-of-view. Jefferson resident David John has been a regular participant in the protests and explained why he continues to support them.
“In this country we have an unequal justice system. It favors whites over blacks, latinos, any racial group, and it favors rich versus poor, or even middle class people. The other reason is that we have to have equality for all citizens in this country and people who aren’t citizens. If they’re human beings, they need medical care, they need the compassion from all of us. We’re all humans and we need to act like humans, and respect humanity.”
There were a few comments shouted by individuals in passing vehicles during the protest with the message “All Lives Matter.” The rally ended with participants carrying signs around the courthouse.