TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Protesters gathered at the Vigo County Courthouse in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Protesters called the march a local celebration, after the Terre Haute Police Department announced they were approved for body cameras by the Terre Haute Board of Public Works.
Erick Beverly, Executive Director of Change of Terre Haute, said they’re still raising awareness about issues going on around the country.
“We’re also marching along for Black Lives Matter. We definitely want justice for Breonna Taylor and recently Jacob Blake, who was shot in his back by police officers seven times, while his children were in the vehicle. So yes, we are celebrating here locally, but we still have to address Black Lives Matter on a nationwide basis,” Beverly said.
The group marched from the Vigo County Courthouse down to the Terre Haute Police Department on Wabash Avenue.
Sister Barbara Battista, of Sisters of Providence, said working together is important in the fight for equality.
“It’s not just myself and my attitude, it’s a system that is built to protect white people and power. That has to be broken down,” she noted.
Beverly said he wants to spark change and he believes he must start in his own community.
“I’m just trying to lead by example, we need leadership,” he said. “We need more Black men to step up and want to be leaders in their community and be there to help out. All we need is unity. We need everybody no matter the color or your race. It’s going to take all of us to stand up and fight evil.”
