Champaign Central High School now joins a couple of other demonstrations in our community. Yesterday’s protest was held at 3:30 p.m., where students marched with signs up and down University Avenue, chanting the now familiar “black lives matter” and “I can’t breathe” chants.
See the photos below and also this hyperlapse of the event below.
Students were joined by community members who helped energize the young people into yelling their message even louder. The chant was so loud it was chilling.
The protesters were supported by high school administration, who walked up and down the street with the students guarding the street.
Superintendent Judy Wiegand was also in attendance and gave a statement to a few news media outlets. From what I could hear, she and her staff were there to support the student and keep them safe.
Home-made signs were made and carried by many students.
Students from Uni High were also in attendance.
The marching students then took to laying down on the front steps of Central High School. It was silent except for the few cars that drove by and honked their horns in support. And then, someone started to sing “Oh mama, look what they’re doing to me.” It built from one person singing to many of the students joining in. Some started to cry. It was a touching and chilling moment.
The protest was well organized, peaceful, and made a statment.