Local leaders talk about the history of protesting in the Cape Fear

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As we continue our coverage on the death of George Floyd, people across the world are protesting and it is bringing many issues to light.

Leaders say protesting can be effective when education and change are top priorities.

Here in the Cape Fear, specifically Downtown Wilmington, many protests have happened in front of the Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts and the City Hall steps.

As you pass by you will see people there day and night holding up signs, their fists, and chanting.

Thalian Hall Center Executive and Artistic Director Tony Rivenbark described the area as a civic square.

“They’ve been protesting in front of this building for a long time now. Right up the corner of third and market…That’s where the British Army troops were reviewed… the World War II,” Rivenbark said.

And don’t forget the Wilmington 10, now adding to the long list, the death of George Floyd. Reverend John Fredlaw said marching is not a bad course of action, but talking to leaders is better.

“I remember a protest we did marching around the courthouse in New Hanover County in Wilmington, and it was very peaceful,” Fredlaw said. “We didn’t have any problems and we were able to sit down and talk with the higher authority…Marching is a good thing, but being able to sit to the table is even better.”

Protesting was one of the rights put into the constitution back in 1791.

Brunswick County NAACP President Carl Parker Sr. said the real change will come when there is mutual respect.

“We need to treat people as people. I think until everybody sees that people are to be treated as people rather than people by color we can keep down a lot of racial problems that we’re having today.”

Moving forward, people will be protesting in front of the City Hall building everyday of the week with themed days.

An organizer said educators will come out on Mondays to inform people. Tuesday, political figures will talk about their platforms. Wednesday, women of color speak about their experiences, and Fridays, artists will show their work.