Scottsboro, Alabama - June 14, 2020 - Prayer Walk - Unity March for Equal Treatment, End the Violence Against Minority People, Peace

Approximately 200 citizens participated, the prayer walk for unity from the Scottsboro Boys Museum to the Jackson County Courthouse Square. Participant's line was a 1/4 of a mile long, and the entire width of West Willow St, in support of equal treatment, the end of racist practices and peace. Police officers walked with those participating in the prayer walk.

PICTURES

Circuit Court Judge Elect Brent Benson talked about what a courthouse is about - equal justice in support of the law. He stated justice is ordained by God, and spoke of St. Thomas Moore's prayer for lawyers. Mr. Benson spoke of Dr. Martin Luther King's statement, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Dr. Gary Spears talks about growing up in Birmingham, Al. during a time of racist violence by the Klan against black folks, which included the bombing murder of 4 innocent black children in the 16th St. Baptist  church. Dr. Spears led the group in prayer.

Scottsboro Boys Museum Director Sheila Washington discusses the Prayer Walk for Unity. 

Scottsboro Mayor Robin Shelton talks about the meaning of prayer. Acting Police Chief Ron Latimer discusses how the Scottsboro Police Department will treat every citizen with fairness, acts of brutality and excessive force will not be tolerated.

VIDEO

Short Version Video


                                            VIDEO EXCERPT

Scottsboro, Alabama - June 6, 2020 - Peaceful Protest Scheduled at 5 PM - Fear of Violence Due to Alleged Social Media Postings and Government Officials Comments

Jackson County Courthouse, Scottsboro, Alabama photo by G. Morgan

Joint Statement from Scottsboro Mayor and Police Chief Regarding the Peaceful Protest           ( Click on image to expand image.)

A peaceful protest scheduled earlier was cancelled, then rescheduled. City officials claim they were warned of possible violence would be started by an out of town element due to social media postings. I screened hundreds of social media postings on Facebook and Twitter and found no credible evidence of an imminent threat of violence that would occur during the scheduled peaceful First Amendment protest regarding concerns over racism and police violence. (reference George Floyd story on Wiki with references  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_George_Floyd )   I contacted law enforcement leadership, one call was not returned, one source indicated there were social media rumors of violence, this was later confirmed by a second law enforcement source.

OFF then ON PEACEFUL PROTEST SCHEDULED

A local citizen had scheduled the protest at 5 PM this afternoon then cancelled it claiming he had received information there were folks coming from out of town to cause harm and create a violent situation. Another involved citizen stated he was going to continue the protest, reference - https://www.facebook.com/events/548891852686656/ Quote: "Peaceful Protest - June 6, 2020 - Scottsboro, Alabama - 5 PM - Jackson County Courthouse Square - Hosted by Ryan Little"

WAFF-TV story concerning the original protest organizer, Anthony McCamey, quote: "Once outsiders learned about Anthony McCamey’s plans they sent violent threats to him. “Within 8 hours I received at least 20 messages from people sending screenshots saying out-of-towners and locals from Scottsboro, Stevenson, South Pittsburg, Florida, Atlanta were going to come down here and riot the town," said McCamey. As a safety precaution McCamey immediately canceled the protest." https://www.waff.com/2020/06/05/peaceful-protest-scheduled-scottsboro-canceled-due-violent-threats/?fbclid=IwAR2YgxzA-1NVjJCitXBxlxVG9y7jGFMDJk8tUBpaxQ1qhs3LiM_GuY2Ajsg

WAAY-TV story quote:"The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce says plans that started peaceful turned violent when an outside group tried taking that protest over." - - - “Scottsboro is our home and we can’t destroy it with riots, destruction and violence,” Shelton’s statement says. “We are trying to be as proactive as possible to prevent any damage coming to any individuals or businesses on the square on Saturday.”  Link (with Mayors Letter advising business owners to close stores at 2 PM): https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Scottsboro-mayor-recommends-businesses-close-Saturday-to-avoid-possible-violent-protest-571027791.html?fbclid=IwAR21612BvQlJmkDlS336QvO_UdqhbYFUgVd-VRAXMycKeO4bftC8LvbJp9w 

This story raises concerns and a question - How does a planned protest turn violent before the protest occurs???

VIDEOS

Part 1, Boarded up businesses on the downtown square.

Part 2 video, full video 21 minutes.



A short version, approximately 12 minutes



                                     Video Excerpt from protest