Both rallies in Wichita in response to George Floyd's death remained peaceful

(KWCH)
Published: May. 29, 2020 at 7:52 PM CDT
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Saturday, May 30, 2020 8 p.m.

The second rally scheduled in Wichita today (May 30) where hundreds have gathered to rally against police brutality remained peaceful.

People at the second rally in downtown Wichita said they felt like they needed to speak up against police brutality.

“I felt compelled to organize this, because I feel like Wichita needed somebody to step up and do this," organizer Nyala Williams said. "I feel like Wichita’s been quiet for too long. Me being 18 years old, I feel like the youth is where it needs to start. Everybody reaches a breaking point -- and we've reached it.”

Protesters began the march at Century II Performing Arts Center and walked to the Sedgwick County Jail then back to Century II.

Saturday, May 30, 2020 1 p.m.

Hundreds gathered outside Wichita Patrol North Saturday afternoon to rally for justice in the death of George Floyd. He died after a Minnesota police officer held him down on the ground with the officer's knee on his neck.

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, Wichita City Councilman Brandon Johnson, local NAACP president Larry Burks and several other current local and state leaders were among the speakers on Saturday.

The main message: the community and police must have a better relationship in order to move forward.

People from all races, ages and genders attended the rally. Some carrying signs that read, "Black Lives Matter," others read, "Say their names," with a list of several of the recent unarmed men and women who have recently died as a result of police-involved altercations.

After the rally, those who came to protest marched down 21st Street raising their in hopes of invoking change.

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Friday, May 29, 2020

Protests in cities across the country increase following the

including organized gatherings planned this weekend (May 30 and May 31) in Wichita and Hutchinson.

A rally planned in Wichita Saturday (May 30) follows a similar gathering with a protest planned in Hutchinson Sunday (May 31). Friday, organizers of Wichita's gathering tell Eyewitness News they expect a big turnout on Saturday.

While some protests have turned violent in some U.S. cities following Floyd's death at the hands of a Minneapolis, Minn. police officer now charged with murder, organizers say Wichita will be the site of a peaceful demonstration Saturday.

"...We're not even calling this a protest, we're calling this a rally. This is a rally for awareness," says event organizer Precious Smith.

She says more than 2,000 people have expressed interest in the demonstration, either wanting to participate, donate to the cause or volunteer for it.

The "Justice for Floyd Rally" starts at 1 p.m. outside the police substation on East 21st Street in Wichita. Along with some law enforcement, including the city's police chief, Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple is among Wichita's leadership planning to be there.

"We reached out to (Wichita Police) Chief (Gordon) Ramsay. He will be in attendance (Saturday) and he will be speaking to us (Saturday) as well. If any other officers would like to say something, we are all ears," Whipple says.

In Hutchinson Sunday, a "Black Lives Matter" protest is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on West First Avenue. As with Wichita, organizers in Hutchinson have worked with the city's police department ahead of the event.

"There are a lot of people who think this protest is gong to be an attack on local law enforcement. Having the chief there and supporting me along with his officers just goes to show that all cops aren't bad," organizer Naee Williams says.

WICHITA RALLY

HAPPENING NOW: A rally is underway at Wichita Patrol North calling for justice in the death of George Floyd. https://bit.ly/36OqjkW #KWCH12

Posted by KWCH 12 Eyewitness News on Saturday, May 30, 2020