2015 Stebbins High School graduate Calvin Bransford Jr. is organizing the event. Bransford said he has been working with the Solution Movement
The killing of George Floyd on May 25 by Minneapolis police has sparked protests and calls for change across the nation. This Riverside protest comes after numerous other protests, vigils and calls for changing police practices in Dayton and the surrounding areas.
“We can start small and add stuff to (Riverside’s) use of force policy. We can set an example for Dayton and other cities,” Bransford said.
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Bransford said that he has been in talks with the Riverside Police Chief, Frank Robinson, and Riverside Mayor, Pete Williams, to speak at the protest.
Mad River Local Schools District is not involved in the protest, said Communications Director Jenny Alexander. People who attend the protest cannot park in the Stebbins High School parking lot, but are allowed on the public sidewalk, Alexander said.
Bransford said the protest will likely line the side of Harshman Road in front of or across the street from Stebbins High School.
The flyer for the protest states: “Join us in unity for the losses of John Crawford, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others.”
Those who plan to protest on Tuesday are encouraged to wear black and wear face masks. The flyer also asks that protesters bring signs and water with them.
“I hope people come with an open mind. There is so much more than protesting to be done and anyone can do it,” Bransford said. “All of the issues we are facing are not going to go away overnight.”
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