Galesburg City Hall vigil addresses racial tensions

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While national news has been awash with events of clashing ideals and violence in recent months, last night on the steps of Galesburg City Hall, community members gathered for a “twilight vigil” to seek some hometown solidarity.

Galesburg NAACP President Doc Patterson began the vigil by asking the attendees, representing a multitude of enthnicities, faiths and organizations, to greet each other.

Several speakers addressed the crowd including 205 Superintendent Ralph Grimm.

Patterson credited Grimm for reaching out to the NAACP to discuss solutions when a issue involving race was raised in the district.

Grimm in his remarks said the district has hundreds of “unsung heroes” but still they need to do better.

“We’re going to work harder to understand that differences matter,” Grimm said,”and that as educators, we still have a lot to learn when it comes to our students.”

Former police officer and Carl Sandburg College Director of Minority Outreach Anthony Law took to the microphone to emphasize a phrase that some had avoided using, “Black Lives Matter.”

But then he followed by saying, “Blue Lives Matter.”

With Galesburg police and firefighters in attendance, Law said his “love” and appreciation for police is focused right now because of the violent acts of “lone wolfs.”

“But at this time, when we have officers who are targeted by those who bastardized what Black Lives Matters means, I have to show him love,” Law said passionately. “He needs to know he has my support.” 

More than 100 people attended last night’s meeting.

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