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Aguayo, a former gang member and activist

for many Chicago issues, said the group was

successful in helping to maintain calm that

day. It’s part of several efforts around the

country that aim to quell tension — and

therefore potential violence — at protests,

while encouraging folks to march and speak

their minds about the deaths of George Floyd,

Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other

African Americans. With daily protests around

the United States in dozens of cities — some

stretching for a week and showing no sign

of slowing — organizers say it’s essential to

de-escalate any conflict and to avoid theft,

vandalism and clashes with police.

Some groups, such as Black Lives Matter, have

years of experience protesting and use training

and proven strategies: fluorescent vests or colored

ribbons to designate legal aid, volunteer medical

help or peacekeepers who can try to diffuse spats

on the spot. Other people are creating more

informal networks as protests pop up in new

corners of their cities and states daily, with many

attendees who’ve never protested before.

“We want to be vocal and peaceful at the same

time. Those two do coexist,” said Bruce Wilson, of

South Carolina. “As soon as you throw a bottle,

your message is gone.”

He and about 20 others met briefly before

protests in Greenville over the weekend to

discuss strategies. He urged his group to

carefully study fellow protestors and be mindful

if someone appeared extremely agitated.

“You can look at someone and tell they’re about

to cross the line,” he said. Like Aguayo, he offers

snacks, water, and the space to speak. “I tell

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