Concern about conflict at Friday Social Justice Rally in Grand Marais unfounded

Every Friday evening since May 29, a demonstration has been held along Highway 61 in Grand Marais with participants holding signs calling for justice and equality for the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) community. The number of people taking part ranges from 20 to 100, with the gathering on Friday, August 28 numbering 64. The evening rally was invigorated by two concerns—one, the August 23 shooting of a 29-year-old African American man by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and two, the rumor that a counter-protest of some kind was to be held.
 

Denny Fitzpatrick of Grand Marais, one of the lead organizers of the Friday evening event spoke with WTIP. Fitzpatrick explained that participants were concerned about the thought of a group gathering in opposition to the Black Lives Matter message of his group, but came out anyway. He saluted the dedication of the people who come back week after week to keep the issue of racial inequality and justice in the forefront. 
 

WTIP also heard that a gathering to declare support for police had tentatively been planned. The rumored counter-protest did not take place. 
 

WTIP has received comments from some community members who are upset over the treatment of Gary Radloff, Sr., the Grand Marais Municipal Campground host regarding his “Thin Blue Line” flag at his campsite. Radloff willingly removed the flag when he was informed that he could not fly a political sign at his campsite, which is technically city property. See the related story here.
 

That action by the city led some community members to begin flying their own Thin Blue Line flags to show support for Radloff, as well as law enforcement in general. 
 

In fact, Fitzpatrick said there have been a few individuals at the recent Friday evening gatherings quietly standing with a Thin Blue Line flag. Fitzpatrick told WTIP that sort of action is welcome the rally, noting that everyone has the right to let their opinion be known in a peaceful manner. 
 

He added, "Yes, all lives matter, but right now we're talking about black lives matter, because they are the ones who are being shot left and right." 
 

He pointed to a backdrop of signs bearing names of some of the black people who have been killed by police in the United States--Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Breonna Taylor, Stephon Clark, Freddie Gray, and others. 
 

Fitzpatrick also said a peaceful counter-protest is much better than action by a motorist during the August 21 demonstration. A white pickup with a modified exhaust system attempted to blast protesters with black smoke. Witnesses say the man missed most of the protestors and sent a thick cloud of black smoke over diners at the Fisherman’s Daughter/Dockside. See related story here.
 

WTIP talked to Fitzpatrick about that, noting that the protesters called on police during that incident and they had informed the sheriff's office of the potential for conflict at the latest gathering. Fitzpatrick said the group definitely appreciates the local police department. 
 

He said that is not the case everywhere, adding "...there needs to be a restraint on this brutality, that seems to be more and more nationwide, that is not under control."
 

WTIP asked Fitzpatrick if he had a message for anyone in law enforcement, who may feel that demonstrations like the ones being held in Grand Marais are aimed at them. Fitzpatrick said, "I invite them to take part and help out. I hope they are not seeing it as harassment against them personally. But there are individuals who should be called out and held accountable and charged possibly if there are wrong things done. 
 

"They shouldn't take that personally, we appreciate what they do," said Fitzpatrick. 
 

Finally, he said, "We're all in this together. It takes a village. We're all looking for peace and justice. And hopefully, we can make this world a better place."

WTIP's Rhonda Silence visited the Friday evening gathering and spoke to organizer Denny Fitzpatrick. Here's their conversation from downtown Grand Marais.