Cincinnati, Ohio is my stomping grounds, and my city has been on fire with positive headlines in the revitalization of downtown.
Being downtown tonight for the rally that was held for Sam Dubose, a man who was pulled over for a missing liscense plate and executed by a police officer, had emotions running high.
The rains have come to a drizzle. The people are letting their voice be heard. #SamDubose pic.twitter.com/pcJTS18M6j
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
A storm rolled through the city which made for a small turnout at first, with a small circle of umbrellas gathered around a woman with a megaphone wrapped in a plastic grocery bag. Walking up to the courthouse steps, the rain began to lighten to a steady drizzle, and with it, more people slowly trickled in.
People singing together, "What side are you on my people? WE ON FREEDOM SIDE!#SamDubose #popwrapped pic.twitter.com/n73LPPl9ek
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
News vans dotted the street as their camera crews and on-the-scene reporters staked their claims. People of all walks were holding signs, joining in chants, No Justice! No Peace!, I am Samuel Dubose. The entire crowd was visibly upset, distraught, fed up with hashtagging people that did not deserve to die. Upset with a police officer’s lies, even though he was wearing a body camera that contradicts the statements he made.
Spread the love! #SamDubose #popwrapped pic.twitter.com/4g0DowtZel
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
All of this pent up aggravation was released throughout the crowd with nary a hint of violence. Voices rang out in unison, leaving the steps, traveling down the middle of major streets, chanting and marching; all while the Cincinnati Police Department provided a rear barrier for the motorists forced to handle the detour.
#SamDubose @popwrapped pic.twitter.com/MtOV0z4z2w
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
Down the street. at the District 1 police station, police blocked an entire section of major road so that the crowd was free to exercise their right to protest.
#SamDubose @PopWrapped pic.twitter.com/W8ofUIzoXE
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
It left me with a sense of American pride. To see cooperation from the demonstrators and the police alike. That the desire was not to cause a scene, but to be seen, and heard. The power of a united group, tired of corruption, and speaking out reminded me of all the protest videos from the civil rights movement of the ’60s, and the Vietnam protests in the ’60s and ’70s . To a time where people stood up and spoke out.
#SamDubose @PopWrapped pic.twitter.com/42KdEL5Fln
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
It touched me and made me proud of how the people of my city responded. To watch something positive emerge out of such a senseless, rash, unacceptable action.
The crowd is on the move! Peaceful demonstrations are powerful! #SamDubose @PopWrapped pic.twitter.com/pWISyGmfgE
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
To be in the middle of what your country was founded on, to combat these circumstances our country faces with peaceful protests reassures my hope for our fractured country.
Down to vine in the middle of the street. Police blocking streets as the march continues #SamDubose @PopWrapped pic.twitter.com/Pt9AlaWkXz
— matt lawrence (@heres_a_guy) July 29, 2015
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