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Solidarity in Waupaca

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The names of people of color who were killed by police officers were written in chalk on the sidewalks and read as the event concluded. Angie Landsverk Photo

Community gathers for rally against racism

By Angie Landsverk


People gathered on Waupaca’s city square for a variety of reasons on Saturday evening.

Many who attended the June 13 community solidarity event said they want to see racism end and encouraged others to listen, act and vote.

“I have close friends who are African American, and it’s never been fair that their lives have been different than mine,” said Sarah Halstead.

She held a sign that said, “If you think your mask makes it hard to breathe, imagine being black in America.”

Most in attendance wore masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and practiced social distancing.

Hastead was among them.

“I think the problems we have are so deep. We really need to talk and be open minded,” she said. “That’s why I like this event. It is about listening, being heard.”

That is part of the solution, Halstead said.

She said it is one small way to begin making change.

Bob Carothers sat on a rock in front of Waupaca’s public library, holding a sign.

On one side it said, “Black lives matter.”

“Justice for all” is what it said on the other side.

Carothers said, “If black lives don’t matter, nobody’s lives matter.”

He attended the event to exercise his First Amendment right, he said.

Carothers believes the protests of the past weeks following the death of George Floyd are part of a groundswell and paradigm shift.

He has lived in Waupaca County for about 20 years and said police departments need to be guardians of communities, not warriors and enforcers.

Carothers said it was wonderful to see people from throughout the community there.

‘I’m not black, but I hear you’

Brianna Hagen described the turnout as “awesome” and said she was glad it was a peaceful event.

“I think it’s awesome that Waupaca did this,” she said.

Hagen grew up in Waupaca.

“I’m just sick of racism and how people act and how they are so narrow minded,” she said while holding a sign.

Her message was, “I’m not black, but I see you. I’m not black, but I hear you. I’m not black, but I stand with you.”

Hagen said she has close friends who are African American.

“They would do anything for me, so I’m doing this for them,” she said.

Siblings Mikaela, Camryn and Sawyer Hintz attended the event together.

“I think we’re all just finding a way to support the cause,” Camryn said.

Doing so can feel difficult in a rural community, said the 20-year-old.

Mikaela said lots of work needs to take place in smaller communities.

Sawyer wants to see change in his local community.

This was among the messages placed by the gazebo on Waupaca’s city square.
Angie Landsverk Photo

Claire Wicinske was among those who spoke from the gazebo’s stage.

She told those in attendance to listen to people of color, and to believe them.

Jennifer Wucinski just moved to Weyauwega this spring.

Being new to the area, she said it was important to her to see if there are people who support the issue.

“I wanted to support the issue myself,” Wucinski said.

She was surprised by the turnout and said, “I feel like things have reached a critical mass of just pain and suffering.”

Today, people immediately pull out their cellphones when they see incidents involving people of color and police officers, Wucinski said.

There is accountability, she said.

Many who spoke on Saturday night told the crowd to vote.

Mark Maglior said it was great to see so many young people at the event.

“Everyone believes in Black Lives Matter,” he said. “Ask yourselves what’s the next step. Everyone has to get involved, and that starts with voting.”

He encouraged them to support those who have the same values and principles they have.

“Activism is what we need,” Maglior said.

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