By Gerri Miller
Staff Writer
Two groups protested the death of George Floyd on Sunday and Monday, but they did it Millbrook style – peacefully.
In fact, Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson and his crew dropped by the second day when teens from Stanhope Elmore High School and Holtville High School were holding signs and brought them water and offered them his support.
People in passing cars honked to show their support during both events. “We love what you are doing – keep up the good work!’ yelled one woman from her car.
Dawn Sparks-Wood was the organizer of the events and said that her group will be out in full force in front of the Village Green in Millbrook every Sunday at 2 p.m. She has started a Facebook group called Millbrook for Equal Human Rights Support Gathering. When several students found out what Sparks-Wood’s group was doing, they asked her for help in organizing Monday’s protest.
“I was asked by some of our local teens to go out and support the need for change,” she said. “We were greeted by Millbrook’s finest with ice cold water and smiles. When asked if we could get a picture with the officers, they said they had to check with the captain. Next thing I know another car pulled in. It was the police chief wanting to get in the picture with us! Thanks for the amazing support to everyone! The rain wouldn’t even keep these kids from having their voice heard! So proud,” she said.
Sparks-Wood said she couldn’t sit on her couch and do nothing. “I have a bi-racial child and half of my family is black. I want to see a change – you can’t see something like what happened to George Floyd and not be affected.”
“We have to come together and ask for systemic change,” she said. “We want officers everywhere to stand up and say that they don’t want those who do these things on the police force.”
Chris Wood said the protests do not reflect how he and his wife feel about the Millbrook Police Department. “Our city is protected by an upstanding police department that holds its officers accountable for their actions.”
Wood said he would like to see departments nationwide do a better job of screening officers during the initial hiring process. He said that yearly physical and mental evaluations are needed to determine when an officer might need help.
The Rev. Albert Russell, pastor of Grace Community Church, said the message of change is something people need to hear. “It could have happened to my son or my brother,” he said.
Angie Moseley said taking part in the event was important to her because she has classmates and friends who have experienced racism. “I want to be part of the healing process, not part of the problem,” she said. “No mother should have to hear her son cry out just because he is black.”
Stanhope Elmore Senior Raven Brown said taking part in the student protest was important to her because just wants to make a stand for what is right.
Maci McDonald, also a Stanhope senior, said it upset her to see how Floyd and others had been treated. “I couldn’t just sit down and be quiet – I wanted to do something positive,” she said.
The death of Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer, has sparked outrage, protests and calls for police reform in Minneapolis, across the United States and around the world. His family has asked for peaceful protests and many have been held across the nation.
Holtville High School Senior Lucas Dyess said that “Nothing will change if we as humans don’t help each other out-we have to stand up against the injustices going on in America.”
Stanhope Senior Kaleb Thompson said he has dealt with racism during his life and he believes the Black Lives Matter movement is important because change must come. “Jesus loves everyone,” he said.
The support of the Millbrook means a lot to Stanhope Senior Riley Wood. “Being able to stand up for my family and get all of this love from this small community is amazing,” he said.
Stanhope Senior Isaiah Rogers said that growing up as a biracial child, he has seen both sides, but “Arguing seems stupid – I want to do something for a good cause.”
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson talked about the peaceful protests at the Millbrook City Council and shared that he supports the groups that have protested thus far.
“I have not talked to any officer that can make any excuses for George Floyd’s death, which was inexcusable,” Chief Johnson said. “I am very thankful that these groups came together in a positive way to spread a message of love.”
Amidst the national coverage of riots and violence, Johnson said that he believes there are many more people who agree that things need to change, but they are choosing a peaceful path. He added that the support for his officers in the Millbrook community has been overwhelmingly positive.
On social media this week, Chief Johnson posted the following:
“With so much hate and strife directed at law enforcement in this country, I’m so proud that I live and serve in the City of Millbrook. When I sat down at my desk this morning I noticed that I had a phone message pending from the weekend. As I pushed the button to listen, I was addressed warmly by a citizen, who stated that he understood with all the terrible things going on in our country today that police officers may feel that they are not supported.
“He stated that he wanted us to know that he and his family were thankful for all the good ,hard work that we do and that we are very much supported, stating that they are grateful for the men and women of the Millbrook Police Department and that they are praying for us each day. What a great way to start my day!
“Later in the day I was summoned to the lobby to meet with a citizen. When I entered the lobby I was greeted by a sweet lady who presented me with a huge gift basket, which contained a nice card expressing her family’s gratitude and appreciation for our officers and staff protecting our city and stating that they pray daily for us and our families. The basket also contained plenty of goodies for the officers and staff.
“As the lady spoke to me I had to fight tears back and struggled a little in my response. Words cannot express how humbled and proud I am to serve this community. It seems like daily, especially when we are facing difficult circumstances, our businesses, churches, and our wonderful citizens step forward with a random act of kindness or thoughtful prayers to show their appreciation, love and support for our officers and staff. Mr. Groom and to the Jackson-Josey families, on behalf of our officers and staff, Thank You and God Bless. You made our day.”
