Page 11 - https://downmagaz.net

them, ‘I feel the same way you feel.’ You have to

lead by example.”

In Tampa, Black Lives Matter organizers over

the weekend had nearly 100 safety marshals

in fluorescent vests patrolling their march,

trained in de-escalation tactics and ordered to

be on the lookout for antagonists. The group

also had medics, used walkie talkies to identify

and squelch outbursts, and enlisted lawyers

and others with legal training to watch out for

protesters’ rights from the sidelines.

“We wanted to be able to provide a safe space

for their voice and rage to be heard within

a controlled environment. It’s part of their

amendment rights for them to be able to

express themselves,” said Chaikirah Parker, who

helped organize the event.

The veteran activist said they purposely held

the event early Sunday, despite sweltering

heat. Afterward, a younger crowd held another

protest, and she said the veteran activists felt

obliged to help.

“We really feel it’s our duty to pass the torch

and teach the kids how to organize,” she said.

“They’re cocky, and then they realize the rapid

response organization is a whole other level.

“You need some of everybody to move the

mission forward … you need the yard dogs, but

you also need the diplomacy.”

In Cincinnati, as hundreds of protestors

marched to City Hall, safety marshals wore their

fluorescent vests, and some toted bullhorns.

Organizers with newly formed Coalition of

Queen City occasionally stopped the crowd to

make sure the volunteer marshals remained at

the front, protester Abbey Smith said.

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