Annapolis March to Close Gap Between Police, Community: Organizer

Updated at 11:10 p.m.

Annapolis, MD — The topics of race and policing – issues in many cities following the police-related shootings of black men in Minnesota and Texas, along with the deaths of police officers in Texas -- will be the focus of a peaceful march Friday night in Annapolis.

Protests have been the norm in many of the country’s largest cities following the early July deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota. That turmoil was magnified when sniper Micah Xavier Johnson -- a former Army reservist who had grown increasingly resentful toward law enforcement in general and especially hateful of white officers -- killed five Dallas police officers during what had been a peaceful protest march.

Da'Juan Gay, 19, wants his community to share its love for one another Friday night in a peaceful march from Wiley H. Bates Middle School to City Dock. The march is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. tonight.

“This march is not out of hate or anger, but love. Love for the city I reside in and love for my brothers and sisters that reside here. This march will be used to show that the community will be taking the first step in closing the gap between officers and citizens,” Gay told Patch.

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Commenters on social media have criticized the event, worried it will devolve into a riot, but that isn’t his goal. Rather, Gay says participants will walk in solidarity with friends and family across the nation to push for change.

Capt. Scott Williams of the Annapolis Police Department says police support the rights of citizens to promote their cause through peaceful protest.

Annapolis officials said Friday that drivers should use Rowe Boulevard to enter and exit the city between 7 and 9 p.m. to avoid the marchers.

Gay, a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student, says he spoke to Annapolis Police Chief Michael A. Pristoop and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Timothy J. Altomare at a community event earlier this week and both seemed of the march.

Both chiefs were concerned about safety, “but I think we all are,” Gay said.

His goal for the impact of the march is to see predominantly black communities treated fairly. Gay says black residents are pinned in certain neighborhoods, creating "black on black crime," which gives those neighborhoods a horrible image.

“By creating that relationship with the officers and people who live in these areas you create a safer environment,” Gay says. “What I'm realizing is that the older generation is getting tired of fighting this same fight, so it’s important kids my age (get) involved.”

Williams of the police department says authorities believe they have a good relationship with all communities.

“As with any relationship, cooperation, communication, and respect are vital components to continue forward progress,” Williams said.

Police leaders are working with the march organizers to ensure a safe and successful march.

“I am asking each of you to consider marching in protest with me, standing strong following in the footsteps of many before us,” Gay wrote on the event’s Facebook page. “If we stay silent, we accept what’s dealt but if speak we spark conversation, we show our pride and we show that we, too, deserve equality and justice.

March Logistics

The Annapolis Police Department is providing motorcycle escort for the marchers, will be closing off streets as needed and will have some water coolers on hand during the march.

A main goal of a march is to keep moving because a route has been established and a time table with support, organizers said.

The Annapolis Circulator Trolley can give marchers rides back from City Dock to Park Place.

The closing words and prayer are estimated to begin at 8:15 for those of you who will be driving and parking in city garages and meeting the march.