CINCINNATI, Ohio — In Cincinnati, over a hundred people gathered at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for the Our Streets: Free the People Protest.
“All across the nation, millions are gathered to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but here we are not gathered in celebration, but in mourning,” said an organizer who calls herself Cynthia Forthepeople.
She calls herself Cynthia “Forthepeople” and she joined the group at the Freedom Center to make a stand.
“People who are gathered here today and who I think represent a thousand others who share their conviction that the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a document whose promises have never been upheld.”
Protestor Natalie Brown says the fact that there’s systemic racism shows people are still not free.
“We want justice, we want equality,” said Brown. “We want things to really change —have a permanent change and not just soothe us. But we really want people to have equality and freedom and not be afraid of their lives.”
Cynthia says real change will happen “when this country confronts its own arrogance and makes room for indigenous Black people and people of all colors to take positions of leadership and have their fair share of seats at the table. Then, we’ll naturally see change.”
Moving forward, she says they will do whatever they can to end racism.
“There have been countless civil rights leaders, activists and voices of compassion throughout our history who have shown us the way forward,” said Cynthia. “It’s important that we know exactly how we got here. It’s important that we have the courage and conviction to stand up for what we believe in.”
