300 Gather For Protest In Lemont: Photos, Video

LEMONT, IL — Around 300 people gathered in Lemont on Sunday for a protest in the wake of George Floyd's death. The event was organized by Gia Cassano, Emme Freebeck and Amanda Villarreal, all three of whom grew up in Lemont and graduated from Lemont High School.

"As I saw [protests] happen in the smaller towns, I thought 'why not Lemont?'" Cassano told Patch. "I don't think any small town should discourage supporting this movement."

Cassano said she wanted to hold the event here because it "would be great awareness for the people who aren't educated" and "for people of color in Lemont to see there is support for them."

Several organizers and protesters spoke during the event, while some protesters held signs along 127th Street.

"It's just great to see our younger generation involved," Mayor John Egofske, who was present at the protest, told Patch. "It's all about doing it in a peaceful, safe manner."

In a message Sunday night on Facebook, the village thanked everyone for their cooperation during the peaceful protest, and said the event ended with no issues.