SCHOOLCRAFT, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Community members in Schoolcraft have announced a second Black Lives Matter Solidarity Rally this week.
The event will be held on Wednesday, July 8 at 5 p.m. at Schoolcraft’s Burch Park. It will include speeches by local activists Marshall Kilgore and Quinton Bryant, as well as Black Lives Matter Michigan Leadership Board member DeWaun E. Robinson.
This event was preceded by another rally that was held on June 28, which attracted around 150 participants, according to event officials. It is the goal of the organizers to launch a Call to Action advocating for equity and justice in the community, schools and policing.
Officials add that Schoolcraft is the home to the Dr. Nathan Thomas House, one of Michigan’s most active Underground Railroad stops. Between 1840 and 1860, it is estimated that Dr. Thomas and his wife, Pamela, helped between 1,000 – 1,500 slaves escape to freedom. The home still stands at 613 East Cass Street.
“Racial injustice and police brutality is a problem everywhere, not just big cities. We are going to doeverything we can to change the narrative of our small town,” event organizer Madison Ring said in a statement. “We encourage our town to come and feel the power and the unity behind the BLM movement, listen to the amazing speakers and shop the local black owned vendors and meet with community organizations who will be attending our event. This is the time to bridge the gap between towns big and small. Now is our time to continue Dr. and Mrs.Thomas’ legacy of being an ally and fighting for those who have been oppressed.”
Participants are encouraged to attend a meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Burch Park prior to the rally, during which DeWaun E. Robinson and other leaders will be giving advice on how to continue the movement in small towns.
“This movement is being watched closely by our youth – they are our future,” activist Marshall Kilgore added. “We must continue to fight for equity until we can see a better future for all of us.”
This event is family-friendly, but for safety, it is requested that participants wear a mask. Extra masks will be available including kids sizes. Donations of water and supplies will be accepted.
Black-owned businesses and food trucks are welcome to table at the event.
Those interested in tabling or making a donation can contact Madison Ring at Madison.ring@wmich.edu for more information.
A full schedule for the rally can be viewed below:
- 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Sign making, Visit vendors
- 5:30 p.m. – March begins!
- 7 p.m. – Arrive back at Burch Park, Visit vendors
- 7:20 p.m. – Speeches and Call to Action
- 8:45 p.m. – Event Concludes
This rally comes after another Black Live Matter event was held in Portage over the weekend.
