Protesters gather in Lawrence after graphic, racist banner is found with letter denouncing Black Lives Matter movement

photo by: August Rudisell/Contributed Photo

Protesters stand on Massachusetts Street near South Park on June 27, 2020, with signs with messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and to "Free Rontarus," referring to Rontarus Washington Jr., who has been in jail more than 5 years with a pending court case.

Updated story (Sunday, 12:47 p.m.): Part of Massachusetts Street closed as protestors set up tents, demand investigation into ‘heinous and racist’ banner

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A group of protesters gathered near South Park on Saturday evening to speak out against a large graphic banner and letter displayed nearby earlier in the day denouncing the Black Lives Matter movement.

Several dozen protesters were in the park near 11th and Massachusetts streets as of about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Police were directing traffic to detour around the portion of Massachusetts Street that runs through the park, as some protesters were in the street.

Demonstrators on Saturday evening protested the message and also questioned whether Lawrence police could do anything in response to the banner and letter hung in the park. Both had been removed, although it was unclear by whom, by the time protesters were in the park.

Spokespeople for the Lawrence Police Department did not immediately respond to the Journal-World’s email or phone message Saturday evening to inquire about whether there was an investigation underway.

A person who saw the banner told the Journal-World that it was about the size of a twin sheet. The image appeared to be spray-painted on fabric, possibly a striped bedsheet. It featured the word “OBEY” alongside a graphic image of, apparently, George Floyd, being lynched by a raised fist bearing the letters “BLM”.

photo by: Contributed Photos

These contributed photos show a poster reportedly found near 11th and Massachusetts streets on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

The note accompanying the poster, which appeared to be inside a plastic sheet protector, said the purpose of the self-described “Art” was to “prompt open, honest discussion about the tactics of the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement.” The letter went on to describe the movement as a “lynch mob” and made multiple allegations that the Black Lives Matter movement was violent and authoritarian.

The letter attached to the sheet described it as “Guerilla Artwork designed by a local artist and resident” of Lawrence. No information immediately available to the Journal-World Saturday indicated whether or not that was the true source.

The Black Lives Matter movement and other activists have held protests and demonstrations across the country since Floyd died on May 25, with his neck under the knee of a Minneapolis, Minn., police officer who has since been charged with murder.

The majority of protests across the country have been largely peaceful. That also has been the case with the protests held in Lawrence, with the exception of a few vehicles driving into the crowds, as the Journal-World has reported. Police previously posted on social media and told the newspaper they were investigating those incidents, but there have been no updates in close to four weeks since the incidents occurred.

photo by: August Rudisell/Contributed Photo

Protesters stand on Massachusetts Street near South Park on June 27, 2020.

photo by: Kim Callahan

Protesters stand on Massachusetts Street near South Park on June 27, 2020.

photo by: Kim Callahan

Protesters stand on Massachusetts Street near South Park on June 27, 2020.

photo by: Kim Callahan

Protesters stand on Massachusetts Street near South Park on June 27, 2020.

photo by: Kim Callahan

Protesters stand on Massachusetts Street near South Park on June 27, 2020.


Recent coverage

June 5, 2020: Witnesses hesitant to come forward about people driving through crowds at Lawrence march; police investigating

June 1, 2020: Overall, organizer pleased with Lawrence march against police brutality; incident involving vehicle in crowd under investigation

June 1, 2020: Protesters rally in Lawrence for largely peaceful march against police brutality


Contact Mackenzie Clark

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