BUCYRUS — A peaceful protest against racism and injustice occurred in downtown Bucyrus on Tuesday afternoon and a larger one is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. on Washington Square
Crawford County resident Mary Beth Pierce led Tuesday’s protest.
“I’ve recognized the injustice in our criminal justice system against people of color for many years, and with the most recent events, I really wanted to participate in the protests,” Pierce said. “However, in the midst of a pandemic, I thought it would be better to do a smaller protest close to home. So, after talking to some folks on the Wyandot County anti-racist League Facebook page, which includes residents in the surrounding area, or anyone who would like to learn how to be a better ally, I decided to organize one in Bucyrus.”
She said she wants to let her black brothers and sisters, especially the ones in the local community, know their message has reached those in small town America.
“We hear them, and we stand with them against these injustices,” Pierce said.
She said it was a small turnout but still sent a powerful message.
Nick Barnes, Democratic candidate for state representative, attended the event on Washington Square.
“I was pleased to take part in the peaceful (Black Lives Matter) demonstration in Bucyrus along with several other District 87 residents and friends,” Barnes said. “This isn’t about politics for me; it’s a simple matter of justice and basic empathy, and I was thrilled to see that positive, supportive reactions from passersby dwarfed the few negative ones.”
He said he hopes more local representatives, officials and candidates from all political persuasions will attend future such gatherings.
“If not in explicit endorsement of the message, then to simply stand in shared respect for human dignity and equality, and to celebrate First Amendments rights as we navigate these difficult waters together,” Barnes said.
Galion resident Ireland Lehart came to Bucyrus to participate in the protest.
“My motivation for participating is the injustice that my friends and my loved ones face every single day,” Lehart said. “The fear that I see in the eyes of black men and women, and children every day, just going outside, is why I do this.”
Bucyrus resident Rebecca Wilden said her faith compels her to confront injustice and oppression in our world.
“I wanted to participate in a peaceful protest in downtown Bucyrus to stand in solidarity with our African American siblings,” Wilden said.
The protest Saturday, called the March Against Racism on social media, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Great American Crossroads Mural on Washington Square.
The description of the protest on the event page on Facebook said, “Please join us in coming together in Bucyrus, to show your support in ending racial violence. We will be marching in protest to all racism, locally and federally. I am sick of seeing racism exist in this town like it is just another part of life, and I know I’m not alone. We encourage homemade signs, appropriate for the event. We ask that you stay on topic.”
The direction of the march will start at the fountain at the square, walk south on the sidewalk on Sandusky Avenue to Liberty Street, cross Sandusky Avenue and travel back north.
One of the event’s organizers, Ashley Clemons of Bucyrus, said she feels it is a good idea to hold the protest in Bucyrus.
“Basically, we just want to let everyone know that we, as a community, are outraged at the racism, both locally and federally. Our town is not exactly known to be diverse. We want to be a safe space community for every race, and demand to see change,” Clemons said. “We believe that the community leaders and police officers are on our side and want to see positive change as well.”
In a Facebook post Tuesday, Bucyrus Police Department Chief Dave Koepke said the department is aware of the scheduled protest Saturday.
“The Police Department has taken steps to prepare,” Koepke said in the post. “Our goal is always to protect the rights of our residents, including those who wish to lawfully and peacefully protest for their cause.”
He said to downtown merchants that the department has no reason to believe the event will be anything more than a lawful and peaceful gathering.
“The Bucyrus Police Department will be monitoring the event and hopes to facilitate its success, but in light of what has transpired across our nation, we understand your concerns,” he said. “We will be working with other law enforcement agencies, our public works, and other departments in the city to ensure it is as safe and organized as possible. Our goal will be to provide our community with as much real time information as possible.”
BPD Lt. Tom Walker also released a video Tuesday on the BPD Facebook page speaking on the planned protest.