by Jessica R. Wheeler
Several dozen Sherman County residents gathered under cloudy skies Monday evening for a candlelight vigil at the county courthouse in Moro, to bring awareness to racial injustice and police brutality, organizers said.
“It’s time for Sherman County to stand with the black community and show them that we hear them and we WILL fight for their equality,” the group’s organizers said in their social media statement.
One of the event’s organizers, Tabetha Hein, said Monday the intention behind the vigil was to remember those who’ve lost their lives to police violence because of the color of their skin.
“Sherman County is a strong and wonderful place,” she said. “Let’s stand together for them around the world.”
The vigil also drew a small handful of counter-demonstrators who gathered on the sidewalk to show support for local law enforcement.
No Sherman County Sheriff’s deputies were present at the event. The demonstrators remained peaceful and no altercations arose.
For a full hour, the participants shared their thoughts, lighted candles, heard music, and observed a moment of reflection for George Floyd, the Minneapolis man whose death by police has sparked nearly two weeks of outrage and protests across the country. “This hatred has gone on too long to be silent any more,” said co-organizer Kristen Labenske. “This hate should not exist in 2020.”