Protests across West Contra Costa County this week demanding justice for George Floyd and an end to police brutality have been peaceful, drawing praise from local officials and residents alike.
Thousands attended a protest in Pinole on Thursday that began at Fernandez Park followed by a march to the Pinole Police Department. Similarly in El Cerrito, large numbers of people lined San Pablo Avenue to protest Thursday. El Cerrito Progressives shared images of the city’s police chief, Paul Keith, kneeling with fellow officers for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck before Floyd died. The chief was also carrying the sign, “End White Silence.”
In Richmond, peaceful protests were held on consecutive days, with the second on Wednesday involving a rally at Nichol Park and march to City Hall.
This Saturday, another demonstration has been planned for Richmond. Protesters are scheduled to gather at noon at Richmond Civic Center, with plans to march to the Richmond Police Department at 1701 Regatta Blvd. (see the flyer below).
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia commended the efforts and pledged that the actions won’t fall on deaf ears.
“Heartening to see thousands standing up against racism and inequality at protests in El Cerrito, Richmond and Pinole this week,” Gioia posted to Facebook. “It’s a movement and it must lead to real structural change. I have some ideas I’ll be sharing soon.”
