Hundreds Attend Peaceful George Floyd Protest In North Wales

NORTH WALES, PA — Hundreds of area residents were joined by local leaders at a peaceful demonstration in North Wales over the weekend, protesting the death of George Floyd and calling for an end to racial inequality.

The event was held in Weingartner Park on Sunday and included numerous speakers, as well as moments of silence to stand in solidarity with victims. Crowd estimates ranged from 200 to 500 demonstrators, according to event organizers and police.

Protesters were optimistic that the peaceful event was the sort of community action that bring about neccessary awareness.

“It was peaceful and meaningful, and you can feel that people wanted change - there was energy," said Richie Jackson, a local community resident and participant in the demonstration. "I think this could be the beginning of some real change. I think people want to try, they want to see what they can do. It looks like a good beginning."

North Wales Police Chief Michael Eves, who attend the event and briefly addressed the crowd with welcoming remarks, said that it was a "great day."

"The protest went very smoothly," he said. "Not a single problem. Couldn't ask for a better day."

Organizers included several community volunteers and local residents, including Stephen McGlynn, Amy Chermela, St. Peter's Lutheran Church Pastor Andreas Wagner, and Kaitlyn McGlynn.

Eves was also joined at the demonstration by Jim Sando, president of the North Wales borough council.

“We came together today to protest the ongoing brutal killings of Black people in America by those entrusted to police and protect us," said Billie McGrane, an attendee at the event. "Sometimes protests and movements can seem far away and removed from places like North Wales but this important work needs to happen in every community big and small. I’m glad we’ve come together today, and proud of those who turned out, and I’m hopeful in the weeks, months, and years to come we continue to do the work to be true allies and to make the desperately needed systemic changes.”

Several related peaceful protests have occurred around the suburbs in recent days, including Norristown and West Chester, as well as Phoenixville, Lansdale, Abington, and elsewhere.