Reflection on September 5, 2020 in Louisville.

Initially shared on social media the morning of September 5th, I felt it important not to lose these thoughts to the disappearing, ever-shifting newsfeed.

It is important for people outside of Louisville to hear this:

I live near downtown. We are far enough that tear gas did not waft into our neighborhood but close enough that the sounds of helicopters and rubber bullets could be heard in the early days of the protests.

As police have taken a less active stand against protestors, there has been nothing but peace. There have been music, cookouts, the planting of a beautiful garden, and occasionally folks walking down the street we live on with signs, chants, and a car horn. I’ve never seen a political sign, except maybe in support of local candidate Charles Booker who has been doing a ton of work at the park. It is clear that this is about community and care for all of the community’s members.

Today there are a large number of white men gathering to go downtown to “counter protest.” They are wearing tactical gear and many are carrying large guns. They are using language that indicates they will rely on “stand your ground” laws and have openly supported the murders of two protestors in Kenosha, WI by Jacob Rittenhouse. I can only assume this means their guns are loaded and they intend to point them at human beings and shoot. They have said “cul-de-sacs” are in danger, which shows they aren’t that concerned about protecting my neighborhood because there’s not a one in sight. It’s a not-thinly-veiled code for white neighborhoods. They are carrying giant Trump flags.

Let me state this clearly: I am a white person. I live and work in the places they claim to be protecting. I do not want them here. They aren’t protecting me. If they claim to be doing so, it is a lie.

I pray nothing happens, but I fear for the safety of the community that has been built at Jefferson and 6th. Based on the videos captured at the gathering rally of this group, they are primed and enthusiastic to shoot someone. Whatever happens will be absolutely premeditated.

May it not come to pass.

Hug those you love.

Condemn violence.

White supremacy is terrorism.