Hundreds protested racism and police brutality Sunday at Tim Cole Memorial Park. It was the tenth day people came out in Lubbock, part of a national civil rights movement. And there’s no sign of stopping.
“We’re not just going to sit back. We’re not just going to stand down. We’re not our ancestors. We’re not our grandfathers. Yes, we walk and we march. We will not comply. We’re not going to tolerate," said Kristoph Allen. "Eventually, someone’s going to have to break. It’s either going to be us or the system.”
Sunday was the first day Allen attended. He manned the megaphone a lot of the afternoon, passionately leading chants. The call to end police brutality is personal for him. It’s a tough story to share. But he says his older brother Brandon was a victim of police brutality.
“Brandon had two beautiful sons. Two amazing brothers and a loving mother that he left behind. But he’s not forgotten - ever," Allen said. "If there’s anything I can possibly do that could lead to even the smallest of change, I’m willing to sacrifice for it.”
Allen, who's new to Lubbock, was surprised to see a diverse crowd of protesters. Changing systemic problems will take everyone’s support, he said.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling," Allen said. "To think that, damn, we had to get this far for us to do something. Thank God someone is finally doing something.”
Gary Dorsey has been a consistent face on the corner of 19th Street and University Avenue during the week of action. He’s had a new sign almost every day, each denouncing racism. He first came out after seeing how protesters on the first day responded to an armed man approaching the event.
“I’ve seen a lot of support, and there’s been times that I’ve been the only person out here," Dorsey said. "Me, I started coming out here for my black friends who don’t have a voice."
Ending racism is a cause Dorsey said he has always cared about. The protester said he’s a conservative-leaning independent who wants to see change.
“I’ve never understood it," he said. "People don’t get to choose what race they are when they’re born. They don’t get to choose where they’re born. To hold somebody accountable and judge them based on their skin color is, I think, the most pathetic thing a person can do.”
Vega Von Wulf was one of the organizers of Sunday’s eight-hour protest. They planned for a week and hoped to create an inclusive atmosphere where people feel safe. Water, snacks, sunscreen and masks were provided to protesters in need. Volunteers offered health aid if needed and others registered attendees to vote.
“People are really in solidarity in showing support in the community. I guess I am surprised," Von Wulf said. "I know among my personal friends, we share the same values. But having so many strangers we’ve met say ‘We appreciate the opportunity to be here’ or ‘We’re going to be there.’ It’s crazy. I’m getting chills just thinking about it.”
Von Wulf and other organizers are leaders of the Lubbock Citizens Against Police Brutality Facebook group. In the week since the group launched, members have brought attention to a local cop’s racist Facebook comment and a questionable use of force during an arrest that was caught on video. Lubbock Police responded to both incidents.
“It’s definitely a moving force," Von Wulf said of the Facebook group. "It’s one of those things where even though a lot of people take pride in the Lubbock Police Department and say they’re different. So far, they’ve done an amazing job of setting an example. We’re still holding them accountable.”
Nanci Glitterati, another organizer, said the Facebook group and the in-person protests have brought a community together.
"I definitely feel that the unity is something that has been showcased and grown here," Glitterati said. "Because everybody sees we’re on the same page. Regardless of differences, we’re all on the same page, everybody wants the same thing. We finally hit a point where the whole world is shaking because this needs to happen.”
