SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — While many fight to have their voices heard across the nation, here in Oklahoma, Sand Springs has some members of the community who want to join others in protesting injustices and police brutality.
This evenings Unity Rally for Black Lives Matter will take place at the Sand Springs River City Park at 5pm.
Leaders in the black community, and citizens will be giving speeches, performing music, and holding discussions to educate many about why they believe the black lives matter movement is important.
The organizers met with the Police Chief, and other city officials about today's events, emergency plan, COVID-19, and heat concerns.
Travis Allen will be attending today's rally. He says he grew up in Sand Springs, and he was teased for being gay.
“Being openly gay in middle and high school, I had to constantly fight with people, not physically but argumentative, a lot of people are mean and we live in Oklahoma, I experience it daily,” Allen said.
It's why he says he can't just sit and watch without doing something.
“We just want to find a way to get along with each other," Allen said. "Maybe if people take a moment and just listen to each other than maybe we can find a solution.”
He also says he wasn't the nicest in high school, but he has changed, and he believes others can too.
“I made inappropriate jokes, to my friends and everything that should not have been said or anything," Allen said. "I am not the idea of the perfect movement leader, I regret all the things I did in high school, they were terrible, but I would like to shine as a example people can change.”
Allen says today's protests are meant to be peaceful, and educational.
“If it affects my heart truly, I will go out there and I will fight for what I believe in,” Allen said.
They will have a Q&A with the Police Chief if anyone has concerns, and free food will be provided along with plenty of water to protect those in Tuesday's heat.
A candle light vigil will be held after sunset for all who have died from police brutality.
For more information click here.
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