June 7, 2020–7:30 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

A weekend of peaceful demonstrations in downtown Rome supporting “Black Lives Matter” concluded with the largest one yet on Sunday on the steps of the Rome City Auditorium.

The racially-diverse crowd held signs calling for justice and remembered George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many more who have died.

This included local murder victims Vanita Richardson and Truvenia Campbell, whose case remains unsolved.

There were also calls to support hate crimes legislation in Georgia.

Rome Mayor Bill Collins, Rome Police Chief Denise Downer McKinney, Rome Board of Education member Alvin Jackson and City Commissioners Bonny Askew and Wendy Davis were all on hand and answered questions about what is being done locally.

Participants were told that the Rome Police Department does not use chokeholds.

The event, called “We Matter: A Peaceful Protest” was organized by Roman Candice Spivey.

Those in attendance observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence.

That is how long a Minneapolis, Minnesota Police Officer had his knee on the neck of George Floyd.

There are plans to hold demonstrations every Sunday from 3 until 5 p.m. at the City Auditorium.