COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The rhetoric around what was originally called a peaceful protest scheduled for this afternoon in downtown Coldwater has softened.
Several teenagers announced the protest on social media earlier this week, following last week’s death in Minneapolis of George Floyd while he was in police custody. A Facebook post for the event said, “it’s time for unity”.
After the original organizers met several times with City of Coldwater officials over the last several days, the event has morphed into a what’s now called a “Unity Rally”, and will feature music and several community speakers, including representatives of the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Family Promise, and organization that aids homeless families in the area. Nine minutes of kneeling and nine minutes of silence will also be part of the rally, to represent the time Floyd was held to the ground by the Minneapolis police officer.
The time of the event has also been shortened to three hours, from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m. today, and will now take place in the southwest Four Corners Park just north of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce building, instead of by the Branch District Library.
Social distancing and the wearing of face masks are being encouraged.
