Dozens gather in ‘March for Justice,' rally in Georgetown County

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WMBF) – Dozens of protestors gathered Saturday morning for “March for Justice," billed as the largest peaceful protest in the history of Georgetown County.

According to a press release, the event is organized by youth and young adults from all corners of Georgetown County, including Eileen Carter, organizer of the recent Solidarity Walk in Pawleys Island.

The march began at the site of the old city hall on near Front and North Fraiser Streets before proceeding into the city’s Historic District before ending at East Bay Park where a rally was held. Georgetown mayor Brendon Barber joined protestors along with Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver and Georgetown Police Chief Kelvin Waites.

Mayor Barber said he’s now calling on his city to inspire change.

“We have to say enough is enough and one thing we are never gonna tolerate is racism, violence, you know hatred, but we gotta change hearts," he said.

Those coming out to march also noticed those from all walks of life joining them.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” said Brandon Brown, who came out to march. "We have young we have old and it’s up to us, the newer generation to carry this baton on to keep the awarness spread. The information that’s being disseminated now, my son’s gonna benefit from this. So that’s why I came out. "

Preschool teacher Anna Duff also wanted to come out and support, adding that changing perceptions of race can also start in the classroom.

“We need to instill in them just because your skin tone is different doesn’t mean that you are not part of the human race. We have to make sure that they know everyone is equal,” she said.

Community leaders and activists spoke at the rally, voicing their concerns with law enforcement through speeches and spoken word performances.

Protestors also paused for a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd. It’s the amount of time a Minneapolis Police officer was seen with his knee on Floyd’s neck before he died on May 25.

Many took a knee or were seen lying down, some saying “I can’t breathe” and “I’m not resisting," the same words said by Floyd in his final moments while pinned down in police custody.

RELATED: High school student, Georgetown County sheriff lead peaceful march in Pawleys Island

Many protesters also brought signs showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Organizers encouraged those who want to express solidarity with the Floyd family and other victims of police brutality to attend.

Tidelands Health was also on hand to hand out hand sanitizer and face masks to those who needed them.

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