Protesters march against racism, police brutality in 'white, wealthy' Birmingham

Protesters brought their fight against racism and police brutality to Birmingham Tuesday night, with about 100 people marching through the downtown streets, and alongside Woodward Avenue.

Multiple protesters said their goal was to be seen and heard in a community they described as white, wealthy, and hiding from problems easily visible in bigger, more racially diverse cities including Detroit and Minneapolis, where George Floyd, a black man, was killed May 25 when a white police officer knelt on his neck. 

"Racism is why this area is so wealthy, but Detroit is so poor," read the sign carried by a woman who said she helped organize the event, but declined to give her name, because "it's not safe what is going on."

Allie Unger, a 2019 Birmingham Groves graduate, was unafraid to speak up and was hoping to burst the bubble she said Birmingham is in, one in which most residents "haven't experienced a life outside of wealth."

The Brooklyn, N.Y. native who moved here with her family and currently stays while on break from studies at a Georgia art college, said she wants Birmingham residents to know they can't escape racism. 

"George Floyd is one of many black men murdered by police and even during these protests," she said, referring to other acts of violence that have taken place during the last several days in cities across the country where protesters are clashing with law enforcement. "We're not just fighting for George, but all black lives... What we all want is change. I want people to think about it and be forced to talk about it."

Bennett Pompi, a Birmingham resident and protester, agreed. 

"I want to show opposition to racism that gets brushed aside on a regular basis in this wealthy community and to show solidarity with protesters downtown who deal with (racism) on a far more regular and deadly basis."

Birmingham became the latest suburb to see protests, joining Livonia and Westland.

A.J. Nichols of Ferndale was enjoying a picnic in the park with Cat Golden and the couple watched as protesters paused for a break in the shade during their march down the Woodward sidewalk. Passing motorists honked in support.

"It's great people are standing up for what they believe and more protests in a safer area allows them to speak their message," Nichols said.

Golden agreed, saying while she was not protesting in a march, there are other ways to show support, including donating money as she did — to the Detroit Justice Center, or just by having a conversation.

Darian Jones, a Detroit resident who works at Kroger in Birmingham, was excited to see the protesters.

"I'm really loving the movement," she said. "It's great to see the communities together and taking a stand. We don't need to stop until they get the message."

Protesters walk through downtown

The protesters continued down Woodward, chanting various messages, including "No justice, no peace," which when asked, at least one protester agreed could also be construed as "Know justice, know peace," but also more profane sentiments were heard, including "F--- these racist a-- police."

Also, encouraged by a marcher to "say his name" protesters shouted in unison "George Floyd!", as well as "Breonna Taylor!" when asked to say her name. Taylor, a 26-year-old African-American emergency medical technician, was shot at least eight times by police officers in her Louisville, Ky. apartment in March.   

The protesters continued to the front of Birmingham City Hall, where a police officer, J. Husted, stepped from a patrol vehicle and greeted them and told the protesters he appreciated what they were doing "and want to make sure you're safe."

"If you're in the streets, we want to help you out," Husted said, who was thanked and informed by Unger that the protesters planned to return from 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence, reached by phone with the help of Husted less than 10 minutes later and informed of events, said, "We are in support of anyone who wants to peacefully protest. We support the Constitution and the First Amendment."

Clemence called George Floyd's death "a tragedy and inexcusable" and said the actions of the police officers in Minneapolis who were responsible would have "ramifications for all police officers."

"It's sad that in 2020 we are still dealing with these issues," Clemence said. "Every single person needs to be treated equally."

Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com or 517-281-2412. Follow her on Twitter @SusanBromley10.