Photos and Text by Diane Askew

On Thursday, July 2, a daylong rally was held at Santa Rosa’s Old Courthouse Square to protest systemic racism. The protest was organized by president Rubin Scott of the Sonoma County chapter of the NAACP.

 

From a  small stage set up on the square, local residents spoke out about their experiences dealing with racism. Almost all of the protesters wore masks and observed social distancing guidelines. Later in the day, Scott led a march to City Hall, where about 50 protesters gathered at the front steps. Santa Rosa Mayor Tom Schwedhelm was on hand to speak with the protesters and to outline the ways he plans to confront racism in our community.

 

I am hoping that my photographs help convey the determination and resolve of the protesters.

View our slideshow of the demonstration by clicking the small image -

 

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