Lafayette Protest Organizers Say Unity, Safety Are Top Priorities

A protest planned for tomorrow in Lafayette is getting a lot of attention and much of the information being shared on social media is not correct. Safety is a top priority and attendees are asked to wear masks. The demonstration is set to begin at the Lafayette Strong Pavillion near St. Barnabas Church on Camellia Boulevard. One of the organizers joined us on Acadiana's Morning News to talk about the event.

The event is called March to End White Silence & Police Brutality and it's clear on the Facebook event page that everyone is welcome. Organizers say they have worked closely with Lafayette Police and the Lafayette Sheriff's Department to ensure the event is safe. No road closures are planned and protesters are being told to stay on sidewalks during the event scheduled to start at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 6th. The march will go over the Camellia Boulevard bridge into River Ranch where participants will turn around and walk back to the park where the event started.

It's the second protest over police brutality in Lafayette. Last weekend, a peaceful demonstration brought out a large crowd of protesters to the UL Lafayette campus. Participants held up signs and lined the streets leading to the intersection of Johnston Street and University Avenue. During the call-in show, Lafayette Live! on KPEL, Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory praised organizers of that event for cleaning up after it ended. Guillory attended that event alongside Lafayette Police Interim Chief Scott Morgan.

Photographer John Weatherall III documented last weekend's demonstration.