A call to action: Leaders emerge from demonstrations urging protesters to vote

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Protesters demonstrating on the steps of City Hall in Downtown Wilmington started out quiet.

But one man came along, motivating the crowd to stand and chant.

Community Activist Tim Joyner says while these protests are important, there is more to the movement.

“Don’t just come out to these and say I’m doing a good deed by being out here. Actually examine yourself,” Joyner said. “Do I have black friends? Do I have black friends that are challenging me? Do I have enough trans friends that are challenging me? Challenge yourself.”

Joyner says besides doing just that, you can also support others.

He says this can be done by supporting minority-owned businesses locally, among other ways.

“Support and protect the minorities in your town. Encourage them, listen to them, engage with them,” he said.

And raise your voice by casting a ballot.

Joyner invites local politicians to come out to the protests to either stand with them, or to hear their message.

“That can work out better than just saying, ‘go and vote.’ You have to give them a reason to want to vote. Give us a reason to not just vote, but to vote for you,” he said.

Other activists invited the New Hanover County Democratic Party to help protesters register to vote.

“It’s super important because people that represent you, especially locally in city council, are the ones that are going to listen to you on your concerns and problems within the community,” Joshua Zieseniss. 

He says voting is key, regardless of political party.

“Whatever party they want to register under, unaffiliated or anything, just register and get your voices out because we need more of the community voting no matter what side of the aisle,” Zieseniss said.

The protesters say they will continue to demonstrate until there is change.

Activist Tim Joyner says they intend to continue to do so peacefully.