‘This is reality’: Fifth day of downtown protests brings protesters young, old

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — People in the Cape Fear continue to protest the death of George Floyd and other black men and women who have been killed, marking the fifth day of protests in downtown Wilmington.

Protesters say they’ve only been gaining momentum over the last few days.

“This is reality,” protester and Wilmington resident Fresh said. “George Floyd could’ve been my son. It could’ve been me. And if it was me, he would’ve had nobody here to raise him.”

People of all ages and colors have showed up to protest at the steps of City Hall this week. Fresh brought his 8-year-old son to protest Thursday, who had some messages of his own to share.

“I don’t want white people being the only ones to live,” his son Caleb said. “Stop killing black people. We’re all just people, and we’re all going to be equal.”

“You should not have to be afraid to be pulled over,” protester and Wilmington resident Danesha Hendricks said. “You should not have to be afraid that when you get pulled over by the cops, you may not make it home that night, and that is terrifying.”

Hendricks and her friend Jenna Vigilante joined the group at City Hall Thursday, saying they want to see changes in the criminal justice system.

Fresh says it was important to bring his son down to participate in the protests, but it was tough explaining George Floyd’s death to an 8-year-old.

“Because it was even painful for me to watch as an adult,” He said. “I’m 31 years old. My son’s eight. So how do you explain this whole scenario? What happened. He’s supposed to trust police. He’s supposed to feel comfortable. He’s supposed to feel protected. After watching that, how do you explain that?”

Protesters also created a list, adding things they want to see change in law enforcement, including de-escalation training, implicit bias training and police review boards.

“I want to continue to see this,” he said. “People standing together. Black and white people standing together. Continuing to march. Continuing to be peaceful.”

“It’s incredible that in all 50 states, we have come together to protest for one cause, and when have we ever been able to all agree on one thing,” Hendricks said. “It’s basic human rights. Human decency.”

Protesters plan on staying out on the steps of City Hall each night until the curfew starts at 9 p.m. One protester says they plan on being out there all day, everyday for as long as they need to.

Wilmington Police say as of right now, there is a permit for a protest downtown on Saturday.