GREAT FALLS — Scores of Great Falls residents participated in a rally and march on Friday evening, the second such event in Great Falls since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week.
Since then, demonstrations have been held across the country, often echoing the themes of “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace” following Floyd's death. Floyd died after police officer Derek Chauvin held a knee to Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. Chauvin has been charged with homicide, and three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting a homicide.
Last Sunday’s protest in Great Falls, Justice for Floyd, drew a crowd of more than 100, while Friday evening’s march, National Day of Action for Black Lives, attracted even more.
During Friday's march, people gathered on the Civic Center steps as guest speakers discussed topics of racism and discussed courses of action to address racism within the community.
All attendees engaged peacefully, holding their signs in protest as they marched the nearly one-mile stretch from the Civic Center steps to the federal courthouse.
There were also several counter-protesters.
As with Sunday's event, this one remained peaceful, despite some online rumors that outside agitators had planned to disrupt the march.
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