Sprawled across, and beyond, the plaza’s well-manicured lawn and cement steps, citizens of all ages, colors and creeds came together for a moment more powerful than any policy that could come out of Columbus City Hall.
As a singular unit, hundreds of Bartholomew County residents stood — and marched — together for an important cause.
Community members conglomerated for a peaceful solidarity rally in downtown Columbus Thursday to show support and demand justice for the families of African American victims that have lost their lives to police brutality.
The scene proved nothing short of inspiring, as residents, politicians, and law enforcement worked together for one of the largest rallies in the area’s recent history.
The Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch, the local African American Pastors Alliance and the Justice Resource Center of Columbus Indiana organized the event with the help of the Columbus Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, and Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop among others.
A sidewalk march began at noon around the Bartholomew County Courthouse on Washington Street before ending with speeches outside City Hall plaza at Second and Washington streets.
Some of those marching the grounds held impactful statements like “Color is not a crime,” “Silence is betrayal,” “I can’t breathe,” and “We are done dying.” Many of the signs demanded justice for the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. All of the signs had the same message: Black Lives Matter.
Many officers marched with the citizens while in uniform, including Sheriff Matt Myers. The tone the entire time was respectful, with many individuals exchanging dialogue with the police while on the sidewalks.
Before speeches commenced, Olisa Humes, President of the Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch requested that all those in attendance put on their masks to minimize the chances of spreading COVID-19. Almost every person, from Kindergarten-aged to the elderly, had face coverings.
In front of City Hall, speakers delivered speeches — and prayers — addressing the everyday issues for African Americans both in their own communities and nationwide.
The only shouts that blurted out during the speeches were in support of the comments made. None were hateful or ignorant.
And the activism didn’t stop there. On one end of the lawn, a group of women helped individuals register to vote.
Once the rally came to an end, some marched around downtown one last time before dispersing.
While there’s a lot of work needed on issues regarding race across the nation, Columbus’ rally should serve as a reminder of the power of community and the First Amendment. Only when we come together and discuss difficult topics can we come closer to solving major issues.
Bartholomew County has made progress in race relations over time, and the rally was indicative of that progress, but many issues still need to be addressed today. No community is perfect, but events like Thursday’s rally help push the needle towards equality for all.
