Woburn George Floyd Protest Gets Approval For Thursday

WOBURN, MA — A planned Woburn protest in honor of George Floyd will go ahead Thursday, after the mayor initially told the organizer it would have to be delayed.

The protest received approval Wednesday after the organizer, graduating Woburn Memorial High School senior Brooklyn Manna, spoke to city officials, according to Brooklyn's mother Karen Manna.

Brooklyn brought the permit application to City Hall, Wednesday. City officials asked that the protest begin at 3 p.m. and end by 6 p.m., before dark, which Brooklyn accepted, according to her mother.

Mayor Scott Galvin said Monday that the protest would need a special event permit from City Council. The protest "must be delayed," he said.

Brooklyn, 18, began planning the protest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

"It is time to take a stand against racial injustice and inequality," Karen Manna said.

Brooklyn and her 16-year-old sister are African-American. Karen and her husband, their adoptive parents, are white.

Protesters will gather at the high school at 2:45 and then walk to City Hall, where there will be speakers and music, Manna said.

"We're asking everyone to wear a mask and social distance as much as possible, because covid-19 still is a huge threat," Manna added.

Galvin's office has not responded to a request for additional information regarding the permit.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.