Article written by Damien Hartke
June 6th 2020- On a bright and sunny day an estimated 500 people gathered at the old courthouse in Effingham to peacefully protest the racial injustices that exist in the country. The protest, which is part of the larger collection of protests going on across the country, was sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of the former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The protest had many different speakers and performers trying to raise awareness about racial issues in the surrounding area. The event hosted by the Effingham Social Justice Group started with some opening remarks by Christa Kabbes. Followed by a performance by Anna Habing who played songs by the Beetles and Credance Clearwater Revival along with an unnamed peom she wrote after protesting in Springfield. Other speakers the event were Skylar Rogers who discussed her move down to Effingham County and how people treated her. She also led the crowd in singing Amazing Grace. Bill Passalacqua, Natalie Swafford, Matthew Robinson, and Terrence Hill all discussed racism in the community. Matthew and Terrence from their lives as African American youth in the county. Bill and Natalie from personal experience. The protest marched around the square with chants of black lives matter and no justice no peace. One of the most powerful moments was when they held an 8 minute and 46 second period of silence to honor George Floyd and others killed by police violence. During this time people laid on the ground and held their hands behind their back. The silence was accompanied by a speaker reading the names of the many people killed by police violence. The final speaker was Reverend Willie Love who discussed his experiences with racism coming off the civil rights era and how the county has progressed. Jasper County is having a protest like this one on Saturday June 13th on the courthouse lawn at 1:00 pm.
