The killing of an unarmed black man at the hands of a white police officer has sparked a wave of protests across the country in a weekend that saw frustrations boil over, and waves of violence and looting have broken out.
But among the destruction, there were powerful displays of unity not featured by the mainstream media.
Across America, peaceful protesters and police officers joined hands in demonstrations.
- Camden, N.J.
Chief Wysocki on the march today, standing together with the residents we serve to remember and honor George Floyd. #StrongerTogether #CamdenStrong pic.twitter.com/UJAjxXkxrx
— Camden County Police Dept. (@CamdenCountyPD) May 31, 2020
Police officers in one of New Jersey’s largest and most violent cities were praised on social media for marching alongside protesters in rallies held this weekend over George Floyd’s death.
Camden County Police Chief Joe Wysocki, who has been working in the city for decades, joined the front line of a march in Camden on Saturday afternoon, sporting his uniform, a protective face mask and a peace sign.
”Yesterday was another example of our ongoing engagement, and a very real dialogue, that we are having with residents throughout Camden that has made our agency part of the fabric of this city,” Wysocki said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press.
“We know that together we are stronger, we know that together, in the city of Camden, we can create a space where policing is focused on deescalation and dialogue,” Wysocki said.
2. Flint Township, Michigan
Marchers in Flint Township, Michigan, arrived at a police station where Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson — responding to chants of “Walk with us! Walk with us!” — said, “Come on!” and joined the peaceful protest.
https://twitter.com/JoshuaPotash/status/1266926177878519809
3. Fargo, North Dakota
Police in Fargo, North Dakota, held hands with protesters …
4. Santa Cruz, California
… while officers took a knee with protesters in Northern California.
The Associated Press contributed to this article