George Floyd bought a pack of cigarettes. The $20 bill he used was counterfeit, according to a Minneapolis deli clerk. The police arrived. Seventeen minutes later, Floyd showed no signs of life.
Since the viral footage of Floyd’s death surfaced, protests have erupted.
Although many have been peaceful, violence has been a frequent accompaniment. In Chicago, protesters blocked streets. Cicero declared a state of emergency. Many Chicago suburbs have issued curfews, although these have not been entirely successful.
Tuesday saw 60 people arrested in Cicero and two killed by gunshots amid violent protests and looting.
Only two days after businesses opened after the COVID-19 quarantine, Naperville officials suggested they close again. This was due to protests planned throughout the suburbs. The move was an “abundance of caution,” according to a North Central College alert.
Photo by Lauren Kainrath
Hours later, the situation in downtown Naperville became an emergency and local authorities told residents to stay indoors and avoid the area. Protesters were seen shooting off fireworks during police clashes.
Naperville police received a report of a stabbing. Windows at Barnes & Noble, Einstein’s Bros. Bagels, Lauren Rae jewelry, Lush cosmetics and Pandora were broken, according to reports and several stores reported lootings. Over 30 businesses were vandalized. A gun shop was burglarized twice and 11 individuals were arrested.
The “evening unrest followed a separate, peaceful rally earlier in the day,” according to the Chicago Tribune. “You are making a difference, but we have work to do,” Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said to the afternoon protesters. “Others will be joining you soon. They have a different agenda, and it’s not social justice. It’s destruction and damage.”
Chirico wants to create a commission to deal with human rights issues. Protesters argue this is not enough. They ask both Chirico and the police what they are doing to stand with black people.
On June 1, President Hammond sent an email to the community. The email detailed the college’s efforts against, “racism, hatred and inequality in our society.” It cited the Black Student Association and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force as part of ongoing improvements in diversity.
A day later, Student Affairs sent an email beginning with the statement, “Black lives matter.” Programs throughout the week aim to create a unity collage, provide mental health resources and combat racism.
Although physically distant, “we remain together as a campus community,” said Hammond.
