I went to my first protest today. It did not go as I thought it would. I just wanted to be part of the voices shouting for justice. I just wanted to show my support. I just wanted to be heard.
I got there late (as always I can never be on time for anything in my life)
I wanted to march. A small group of latecomers joined me. (6-7 people) We walked together. We had not gone down one block when we were assaulted.
Blue truck pulls up ( y’all know where this is going) Man gets out. Rips my poster from my hands. We were waiting for the light to turn so we could pass and he intentionally blocked our way. I wasn’t not going to stand for it.
I stood my ground. Tried to pick up my poster. Once again he tears it from my hands. He’s aggravated and pushing civilians (a man that’s not part of our group) I was not going to let it go
His chainsaw is revved and my group moves back. Their safety is my concern but I did not run. He’s shouting but so am I. I refuse to let his threats ruin our day. Refuse to let this discourage us, refuse to let him silence us.
We make it to the other side. We start chanting (which we weren’t doing before) Our group grows a bit bigger. We make it to the main protest. I am in tears. We made it safely.
We stayed. The entire time. We shouted. We kneeled. We protested the injustice in society today.
Afterwards I went home and hugged my kids. I was lucky to be able to come home at all. But how many of my black brothers and sisters never got the chance?
I never expected to be the voice upfront leading chants. I never expected my fist to be raised and for silence to fall. I never expected to make a speech. But I did. And I am proud.
This is the first of many to come. I will continue to advocate for all that is right. I will continue to share and shout for a better tomorrow. I will continue to fight for my black brothers and sisters until they are safe not just here but everywhere.
Cynthia Chrastil
June 5, 2020
#blacklivesmatter #tuluchaesmilucha #latinosstandwithyou #arevolutioniscoming
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Here's a video of the encounter:
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Ms. Chrastil and her family support the relocation of this symbol of HATE.