Concern and collaboration define George Floyd protest in Utica By Luke Perry
Protest in Utica for George Floyd and social justice have been peaceful, in contrast to other upstate New York cities, where property was destroyed and police used tear gas to disperse crowds.
Utica’s experience is defined by effective communication and cooperation between protesters, elected officials and law enforcement.
Protest organizers, led by Indivisible Mohawk Valley and Citizen Action, believe that “every person whether white, black or brown deserves to live in a community where they feel safe.”
This weekend community members wearing yellow vests served as mediators to help monitor behavior and ensure civility.
City officials, including Mayor Robert Palmieri, met with protest organizers prior to Sunday’s march and discussed the route, speakers, and safety concerns.
Photo from Indivisible Mohawk Valley
The Utica Police Department expressed support for protestors and asked in advance to work together peacefully. Some officers, including Deputy Chief Edward Noonan, marched with protesters.
Police Chief Tom Williams told the Observer Dispatch that when an incident like the murder of George Floyd occurs, “it provokes strong reaction, not only by the public, but even the police department.”
Williams believes the “good results” regarding the protests in Utica stemmed from “great communication between our city and community leaders.”
Nearly 1,000 people participated in Sunday’s protest. There were no arrests or reports of vandalism.
“The Utica Police Department supports the peaceful protestors today here locally and across the nation for the injustices that they stand for. We ask that the protests today in Utica honor the memory of George Floyd in a peaceful and respectful manner. It is our hope that the City of Utica can can be an example to the state and nation of how the police and protesters can work together to organize a peaceful march for change for a greater good for all. We stand with you.”
Mayor Palmieri said “we are building bridges as much as we can” and “still have a ways to go.” Palmieri thanked Utica residents on Facebook “for showing the rest of the country we can protest in peace.”
Utica Council member Delvin Moody (5th ward) told the crowd we “did not let this moment be stained by fighting.”
Moody read the names of black men killed by police officers and invoked scripture. “I am not letting go until there is justice for everyone.”
“We can’t stop here, we won’t stop here,” Moody said. “The marathon continues.”
Photo from Rep. Brindisi
Rep. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) joined the protesters, and expressed pride in the city of Utica, for peacefully protesting “the killing of George Floyd and to talk about larger issues surrounding structural racism.”
Brindisi released a statement on the Floyd’s death calling for “systematic change” that includes “demanding accountability and supporting law enforcement.”
“The killing of George Floyd is horrific, unacceptable, and heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this is all too common for members of the black, brown, and indigenous communities across the country. There needs to be answers, accountability, and charges. And there needs to be systematic change so that bad actors know they cannot hide and people of color do not need to have a smartphone recording in order to feel safe in their homes and in their communities. Mourning George Floyd’s death and demanding accountability and supporting law enforcement do not need to be mutually exclusive. As Dr. King wrote, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We have an obligation to speak out against the bad actors and the behavior of Mr. Floyd’s killer threatens the fabric of our justice system. Our diversity is what makes America the greatest country in the world and we need to work together to make it a more just world for all.”
Luke Perry (@PolSciLukePerry) is Professor of Government at Utica College
