Story, Photos & Video by Scott Schaefer
A peaceful protest and march – perhaps Kent’s largest ever – filled the streets of downtown on Thursday, June 11, 2020, starting at the Maleng Regional Justice Center and ending outside City Hall.
Organized by Keliesha Lovelace, Kendrick Glover and Jaida Lovelace, the Black Lives Matter protest comprised of a couple thousand people started on the steps of the Justice Center, where several spoke.
The event started with an opening kneel and prayer with Pastor Harvin and Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla, followed by youth speakers as well as grieving, oftentimes angry family members of local victims of police brutality.
At one point, a cousin of Charleena Lyles – who was killed by Seattle Police in 2017 – verbally attacked Police Chief Padilla to supportive hoots and hollers from the crowd (see around 12:50 in the video below).
“I’m so triggered right now, because I found the police officer … the chief so disrespectful,” Katrina Johnson said. “If you came to listen, listen is all you should’ve done! That was disrespectful! Very disrespectful!”
Other speakers included Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, who had to overcome numerous comments shouted her way as she spoke outside City Hall, Councilmember Brenda Fincher, King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove and state Sen. Mona Das (D-47th).
Also seen outside the Justice Center was King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, who did not speak but carried a sign showing support. Kent Schools Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts was also present near City Hall.
Far as we know, there were no confrontations with police (other than verbal), nor looting or vandalism during the event. No Kent Police officers were spotted wearing riot gear or anything other than their regular uniforms.
A few businesses took precautions to board up their windows, and most downtown businesses closed around 1 p.m.
The event started at 3 p.m. and we streamed live video on our Facebook page, with over 17,000 views so far (“Like” us here to see future live videos) until our battery died (!) around 5:30 p.m. – watch an edited version below (running time 1:13):
We do things a little bit differently than other cities – we try and partner with our community rather than oppose them.
– Over 1,000 peaceful protestors
– ZERO acts of violence
– ZERO acts of vandalism
– ZERO acts of looting
– ZERO arrests made
– Protest ended 1.5 hours early pic.twitter.com/HN8OO4Hd1u— City of Kent, WA (@cityofkent) June 12, 2020
Uhhh… we are thinking Black Lives Matter. Also thinking as a local government it is our responsibility to have honest conversations with our residents so we can serve them and their interests equitably. ??♂️ https://t.co/4nFYKw5K9N
— City of Kent, WA (@cityofkent) June 11, 2020
This is far from over – the conversation has just begun. We can and WILL do better. #BlackLivesMatter
— City of Kent, WA (@cityofkent) June 12, 2020
Went to a very peaceful protest in Kent, WA this afternoon. Beautiful skies, beautiful crowd and big voices for change #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/6BB3clPZzZ
— Molly Britt (@mollymoe508) June 12, 2020
Avatar Kyoshi showed up to the protest here in Kent, WA!!!
“Only justice will bring peace ” pic.twitter.com/nIwiLd6IBp— Felipe (@felipekinetic) June 12, 2020
