Protest held in Prescott

By Staff, 06/3/20 9:12 AM

PRESCOTT – Around 20 people gathered Tuesday evening to protest in Prescott.

The primary reason for the protest was the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis, MN, police officers. However, it was also to make people aware of the upcoming election and urging residents to get out and vote in order to make changes.

Hannah Wiley organized the protest, which started in the Farmers Bank parking lot. She said the protest was to bring the community together as racism is a problem and she wants equality for everyone. “We’re here to bring awareness and force change,” she said. Wiley continued saying people need to be educated and changes need to be made on the local, state and national level laws for everyone. “We need to let people know when , where and how to vote,” she said, adding transportation would be provided for those needing it to get to the polls. “I don’t have all the answers.”

The protestors chanted “No justice, no peace”, “Justice for George” and “Change 2020”. At one point, they stood in the grassy area by Main Street, shouting the slogans to passing motorists. Some waved, some honked and one drove by either shooting photos or video. The protestors walked to Second Street, crossed the road and went up to First Street before heading down to Laurel and walking a block to a First Baptist Church Building on Second Street where they waved their signs and shouted their slogans at whoever came by. The group walked down Second to the Bank of Delight. The protest lasted roughly an hour with no incidents.

While there were no incidents, the Prescott Police Department was on hand had anything happened. Police Chief Joey Beavers said if there were trouble, the PPD, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police were ready to intervene.