Anti-Racism rally held along Highway 61

The sign says it all. Staff photo Brian Larsen

A group of about 30 folks gathered on a chilly Friday, March 26, at 5 p.m. to hold a peaceful rally for justice on the corner of Wisconsin Street and Third Avenue West on both sides of Highway 61.

Participants wore masks and were socially distanced during the event.

“In the wake of the anti-Asian violence, and in the wake of the Chauvin trial beginning in Minneapolis, Arrowhead Indivisible decided to hold an anti-racism rally, which is very similar to the Black Lives Matter rallies we did last summer,” said Denny Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick was referring to the recent incident where six of eight women recently killed in Atlanta, Georgia, by a lone gunman were Asian. Despite the gunman denying race had any part in the murders, according to a wide variety of national media reports across the country, there has been a rise of racism and stereotypes against Asian women.

Add that to the trial about George Floyd being killed by police last summer in Minneapolis and there is a lot of despair and anger simmering in the general public. A good way to make their feelings known and seek change, say some at the rally, is to hold marches and peaceful protests.

Protestors hold signs calling for unity, justice and fairness for all. Staff photo Brian Larsen

Held from 5 p.m. until almost 6 p.m., the small rally was marred only by an incident of a white pick-up truck that came roaring by, blowing thick black smoke from its exhaust pipe. The incident was reported to the Cook County Law Enforcement. Other than that, the protesters received honks of appreciation or waves from people driving by. Or, in some instances, non-responses.

While folks in Grand Marais gathered peacefully to lend their voices to the ongoing push for racial justice, they were part of a larger March 26 National Day of Action: Asian Empowerment Day, occurring in over 50 cities across the U.S.

Local event organizer Lenna Stever had this to say about the rally. “This is one way people can speak out and stand up against racism and we invite anyone to join us. These are non-partisan and inclusive events supported by Arrowhead Indivisible, a group that has been doing community building and organizing in Cook County since 2017.”

As this white truck roared past the protestors, it blasted black exhaust smoke. If you know who was behind this, please contact Cook County Law Enforcement at 218-387-3030.