Grand Rapids, Mi– Protesters gathered at Rosa Parks Circle on March 8, 2021 for a Justice for George Floyd Rally in response to the start of Derek Chauvin’s trial. Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the May 25, 2020 death of Floyd.
The peaceful protest, organized by nonprofit organization Justice for Black Lives, began at 6 p.m. with event organizers and supporters giving speeches calling for equal rights, unity, and the conviction of Chauvin’s and the others involved with the death.
Following the speeches, around 100 people began a march through the streets of downtown.
About 20 minutes into the march, protesters were met by Grand Rapids Police at the intersection of Ionia and Monroe Center where eight people were arrested, all for misdemeanor offenses.
Charges ranged from creating a public disturbance to obstructing traffic to refusing to obey a command by an officer.
Media Works of John Rothwell 