Columbia protests continue for the 13th consecutive day
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Protests continue for the 13th consecutive day in Columbia to bring awareness for social injustice.
Alfred Patenaude an organizer of the group called “We Are The Equal” said the group does not foresee the protests ending soon.
Patenaude said until two weeks ago he had never protested before. He said he always kept his opinions to himself and started to come to the protest to bring refreshments, and that's when things changed for him as he started listening to people speak and hearing them share their stories about why they were here.
“I kind of grew an appreciation,” Patenaude said. “And an understanding that because of me keeping my opinions to myself then probably played a role in why we still see a lot of this social injustice and racism in the year 2020.”
Patenaude said what started as gathering and sharing stories, quickly turned into something more as the community came together to support social injustice.
“We all have a story,” Patenaude said. “I mean every one of us. And it's powerful, that we are able to come and share each other, you know, share that with one another.”
Patenaude said he has encouraged his friends and other to join the protests but that he understands COVID-19 is a concern for many.
Patenaude said he knows there’s a risk of getting COVID-19 when at the protests and believes that is part of the reason why less people are attending.
“I mean we've had a good amount of people,” he said. “But I think there would be more, I really do.”
Patenaude said he does not want COVID-19 nor does he want anyone at the protests to get COVID-19, but he believes being a part of this stance has made him realize he has a lot of catching up to do and so he plans to continue to come to protests.
Patenaude said last week he worked 36 hours and protested for about 60. He said his body is tired and sore but what continues to push him is knowing the protests are making a difference.
“We Are The Equal” organizers said they will meet at the columns in front of the Boone County Courthouse Monday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday whenever people want to come.
