With organizer Dee Garrett jailed the day before the most recent Black Lives Matter protest/counter protest in Grayson, the movement's remaining demonstrators took a different approach Sunday, August 9, 2020 and invited counter protesters to sit down for a picnic and peaceful conversation.
Only a few took them up on the charcoal grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, along with chips and potato salad, although at least a few others they invited as they stood guard along Main Street said they will come back and take them up on the picnic plan next week, but leave their guns at home.
About a dozen of the BLM protesters held up hand-lettered signs and chanted phrases associated with the movement. The smaller group also chanted and marched along the sidewalk from the picnic shelter to Main Street and back, but also with a non-confrontational approach. At the peak, an estimated 50-60 people showed their support for the BLM movement's efforts and message, and more than 20 remained into the late afternoon.
Most say they want to serve as "peace keepers" and that they responded to threats to the city made by Garrett and shared on social media, as well as his criminal record.
Although their numbers were difficult to estimate, observers agreed there were fewer than the week before and far less than the first demonstration, when Main Street was blocked off and law enforcement officers had to intervene several times to keep heated exchanges from escalating.
The BLM supporters acknowledge previous methods to spread their message were "creating tensions" and report everyone involved got behind the idea of sharing food and creating an opportunity for dialogue. Misinformation and fear, they say, have caused their message to be misdirected in countless ways.
They didn't shy away from discussing Dee Garrett's threat to bring outside forces into Grayson, or his criminal record. One pointed out Garrett made his inflammatory statements as a reaction to he and his own family being threatened, then added - "He did apologize, so let's move on."
Pleased with Sunday's quieter demonstration, which included acoustic guitar music by Gabe Robinson, the BLM supporters say they will come back to get the charcoal going again next week for another cookout-based event. They invite anyone interested in discussing the Black Lives Matter movement and related topics to join them after 2 p.m. Sunday.
"Instead of hatred and anger, we want to promote open conversation," said organizer Nichole Miller, who proposed the picnic plan along with Thelma Hall.
Following his release from detention, Garrett released a video on YouTube announcing he would be back in Grayson for the next demonstration this Sunday, August 16, 2020.
Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post
Carter County Post