Monroe march to honor George Floyd goes smoothly

The “Justice March for George Floyd” on Thursday, June 4 in Monroe starts down Main Street led by Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas, left, march organizer Isaiah Cole, center left, and Monroe Police Chief Jeffrey Jolley, center.

The “Justice March for George Floyd” on Thursday, June 4 in Monroe starts down Main Street led by Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas, left, march organizer Isaiah Cole, center left, and Monroe Police Chief Jeffrey Jolley, center.
Jim Scolman

MONROE —  Hundreds of people walked Main Street in a coordinated rally organized by Monroe High alumnus Isaiah Cole.
Mayor Geoffrey Thomas and Police Chief Jeffrey Jolley were at the front of the march. The march ended at Lake Tye Park to rally and hear several speakers, including prior Monroe High football coach Michael Bumpus, the mayor, and Cole.
Thomas read a City of Monroe Proclamation commemorating the event and asking for the citizens of Monroe to promise to continue with legal, safe protests and to take care of each other.
When asked about the size of the crowd, Thomas said, “I think we’re in four figures here,” meaning he thinks at least 1,000 people came out.
The next day, many health care workers across the country participated in a “White Coats 4 Black Lives” demonstration Friday, June 5. Many Monroe Providence Clinic caregivers participated in the outdoor, 10-minute observance to raise awareness of racial equality and police brutality. Many kneeled. One of the caregivers softly sang “Amazing Grace” during the 10-minute vigil.


Jim Scolman photo

The event ended at Lake Tye Park with speeches.