Peaceful protests continue in Folsom as locals speak out

Protests continued around the nation this past week in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody May 25. Protests had turned into looting and rioting in some parts of the country but that wasn't the case here in Folsom. Peaceful demonstrations were held at the Folsom Police Department, the Folsom Public Library, the Historic District amphitheater and marching on Sutter Street. Chants from the crowds echoing through the streets included "hands up, don't shoot," and "no justice, no peace." On Sunday, another large gathering was held on the lawn behind the library. The organizers, with a desire to bring the community together, asked all who attended to wear masks from their outreach efforts and on social media. "We are here to unite Folsom. We feel across the nation people need to speak out right now, especially for young people and moms. We have been feeling like we needed to do something here in Folsom. We invited some of our friends who are really passionate about it; we planned to do something on the weekend. We are here to speak up, and say that it is everyone's job to fight against police brutality and systemic racism in our society," said Tanya Andrews, a Folsom mother, who said that they had been planning for this event all week. "This is just the beginning. We can't stop now," Andrews said. A group of volunteer medics, arranged by Andrews, was on hand at the peaceful demonstration. "I reached out to Fire Chief Rodriguez and he was in support of us setting up a tent and having medical volunteers," said Andrews. A pamphlet handed out highlighted books to read and movies to watch (examples were "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou and "If Beale Street Could Talk" on Hulu) and suggested black activists to follow on social media. A list of black-owned businesses was also shared, along with organizations to follow and financially support. Stevante Clark, older brother of the late Stephon Clark, was at the event and spoke to the crowd. He started by walking around the audience, as the song "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke, played on the speakers. "George Floyd should be here, Stephon Clark should be here. This is my last protest, my last rally and my last time coming out in front of you guys, until something that's more strategized, mobilized, organized, and is plotted and planned out effectively to move strategically to get what we need moving forward. I am not here talking for nothing, I am not alive for nothing. My motto is simple, it is 'everybody love everybody,'" he said. According to reports, Stephon Clark was fatally shot in Sacramento by police in 2018, after officers responded to a call about someone allegedly breaking car windows. The city of Folsom posted on Facebook in regard to the peaceful protests locally. "The City of Folsom condemns any racially-motivated injustice and violence. Black lives matter, period. We thank our community for their engagement in four extraordinarily meaningful and peaceful demonstrations over this past week. The City has heard the heartfelt expressions of sadness, horror, and frustration displayed locally and nationwide over the unnecessary death of George Floyd and all victims of immoral and unethical behavior based on racism," read an excerpt from the post.