Hunter
07/03/20
Saying they feel “sidelined” by city officials, leaders of the Black Lives Matter protests in Cedar Rapids say they’re taking to the streets again this afternoon.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Advocates for Social Justice plan the Black Freedom Rally at noon, starting at Monroe Park.
The Facebook post advises attendees to bring chairs, as food will be available and speeches given before they march about a mile from and back to the park.
The group says the city has moved away from forming a citizens review board and will allow for public comment at meetings and online. Organizers and other Black community leaders say the Advocates for Social Justice already essentially have a qualified task force that could lead the city in reform discussions.
The marchers are expected to pass by Mayor Bard Hart’s house, but he doesn’t plan on being there. He says the group has the right to protest, but the review board will be a diverse group and they’re working as fast as they can to get it in place.