Ellijay joined a long list of cities across the country when it played host to a rally against racial and social injustice.
It took place on Thursday, June 4, in the middle of the roundabout in downtown Ellijay.
Pedro Chavez said he organized the rally along with Eloisa Rafael and Nashely Hernandez to give local people a platform to be heard about racism, social injustice, police brutality and people of color, especially African-Americans, being disproportionately targeted by police officers
“I am part of this community,” said Chavez, a 2015 Gilmer High graduate. “We have the right to express our frustrations and concerns.”
Catalysts for the recent protests are the death of George Floyd, who died as the result of an officer kneeling on his neck for almost 9 minutes in Minneapolis, Minn.; Breona Taylor, who was killed during the execution of a no-knock warrant by police in Louisville, Ky.; and the death of Ahmaud Arbery who was shot and killed in Glynn County by two men attempting to detain him. In all cases the victim were African-American.
“We are tired of seeing this and not doing anything about it,” Chavez said. “Your silence is not acceptable anymore.”
It started out as Chavez and a few of his friends wanting to express themselves and grew into a rally which filled the center of the Ellijay square.
“We are people who are tired of being silent in our town,” Chavez said. “People are too comfortable with this happening.”
Onlookers and counter-protesters surrounded the square. At various points vehicles flying American flags or TRUMP flags circled the roundabout revving their engines.
A few of the onlookers carried semi-automatic rifles.
Rumors abounded on social media about extreme left groups and extreme right-wing and racist groups busing people in during the rally. None of them proved to be true.
No incidents were reported before, during or after the rally.
“I thoughtit went really well,” said Ellijay Chief of Police Edward D. Lacey, III.
Following the rally, Chavez thanked everyone from the organizers to people at the rally to the law enforcement officials who worked with the organizers.
“It definitely was a lot better than we expected as far as turnout,” he said. “Thanks for showing up.”
Awareness and starting a conversation was the point of the rally. Chavez said people are talking, which is a start.
He asks everyone to keep an open mind as they talk about the issues surrounding the rally.