The recent Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, which picked up momentum the day after George Floyd died, continue more than a month later.
A poll released this week by Civis Analytics, a data science firm which works with businesses and campaigns, suggests about 15-26 million people in the United States have participated in demonstrations since May 26.
In Moscow, community members gathered once again Saturday for the city’s fourth BLM-related event since George Floyd’s death.
Masked protestors made a loop around downtown Moscow twice before heading back to East City Park to listen to speakers from the crowd.
According to the event’s Facebook page, COVID-19-related safety precautions were mandatory.
“Masks are required according to Moscow’s mandate,” the event details read. “If you do not have one, spares will be brought to ensure the safety of our group.”
Organizers Larz Mumchuck and Neix Stars said they planned the protest for the Fourth of July on purpose.
“We believe that having this march on the Fourth of July is the perfect time for visibility and having BLM voices being heard,” one post read.
As demonstrators made their way through downtown, Jason Kennedy, who helped organize both Pullman protests, used a mega-phone to call out chants to the rest of the group.
“Let’s be real,” Kennedy said. “I was asked specifically to be at the last march because people of color and African Americans in Moscow are scared.”
Madison Bonet, who recently started the Moscow Anti-Racism Alliance (MARA), also spoke at the event, where she discussed her experiences with racism.
Other speakers proposed a call to action for local government officials, citing a need for an independent advisory board, which would review cases of racism and excessive force used by police on the Palouse.
Kennedy said he would like to see Moscow and Pullman take initiative in commissioning a prominent mural in support of the BLM movement.
“I am challenging both cities to do it, before I have to ask,” Kennedy said.
The next Moscow BLM rally will take place 11 a.m. July 12.
Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @apalermooo