Cicero will host a peaceful demonstration in support of Black Lives Matter on Sunday, June 14. The demonstration, dubbed Love Can Build a Bridge, will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on the pier at Red Bridge Park.
Love Can Build a Bridge encourages the Hamilton County community to stand in solidarity with their black neighbors and advocate for change. The demonstration will feature a host of local speakers sharing their experiences and raising awareness for racial injustice across America.
Love Can Build a Bridge is organized by a group of Cicero educators, business owners and residents who feel troubled by recent racial events across America. The group was inspired by the Noblesville Diversity Coalition’s peaceful protest this past Sunday.
“The Noblesville peaceful protest was powerful and educational and impactful” said Sabrina Duncan, one of the event’s organizers. “It was inspiring to see an entire community standing together, unafraid to challenge their community and country to do better for all citizens. We want to draw attention to this issue, educate our community and show our black Cicero residents that we stand with them.”
“When Ryan White arrived in Cicero in 1987 the citizens of Cicero and the Hamilton Heights community built a bridge to welcome him to the community,” said Jeff Beechler, a lifelong Cicero resident and community advocate. “The time has come for our community to build another bridge, a bridge that will lead us and our black brothers and sisters to a tomorrow that is inclusive and just.”
Attendees are encouraged to utilize parking located in downtown Cicero and travel to the Red Bridge Pier using the pedestrian causeway. Attendees are also reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines mandated by Governor Holcomb and the CDC. The Love Can Build a Bridge committee is working closely with the Cicero Police and Fire Department to make sure this is a safe and educational experience for all. A voter registration booth will be available at the demonstration so citizens can register to vote and continue advocating peaceful change. To learn more about the event visit Facebook.com/LoveCanBuildABridgeCicero.
This is incredibly encouraging. Hopes for a great turnout and lots of positive energy. Positive is what we need.
What a great initiative to bring the community together, listen to each other and learn from each other