A Fire Was Lit in LA

We protested in the daylight. We came out for George Floyd. And it was very peaceful at the beginning. It warmed my heart to see so many people come out in solidarity. To celebrate his memory and those who suffered in silence like him.

As we moved on the excitement was palpable, then we found the burning cop car. Don't know how it got set on fire. It blazed hot, and the ammo in it was set off with the surrounding protesters enchanted by the flames. It took effort by the more organized members of the protest to move the rest along.

We finally made it to Beverly Hills, the crowd at peace once again. Some gave speeches, other started chants, the rest just happy to be apart of something that may change life for the better. It was good for that moment.

Then it was time to turn back. Filter are way back to where it began in Pan Pacific Park. And again it was peaceful. Despite a few frustrated drivers that desperately wanted right of way on a road full of protesters, most were chill and understood. But thats when I felt the tension grow. A car raced by protesters on Burton Way, missing them by inches. Protesters tossing signs at it as it went by.

That was it for me. I went back to my car and got ready to head home, satisfied with having accomplished a group statement. But as I jumped on social to check in with others, it was obvious it was getting worse. More cop cars were burning, confrontations breaking out everywhere. It was spiraling out of control. Then the looting started.

It wasn't even dark yet, people were still eating at restaurants for the first time in months. But people lit the Nordstroms on fire and ransacked the Apple Store. I went online and saw hooded women claiming "this is how we express ourselves", as they vandalized a Starbucks. People around them demanding that they stop. A Black Woman screaming back, "they won't see that as you, they'll think that crime in the name of black people."

The Mayor has declared a curfew, it's illegal to go out. Now all of us stare as parts of LA are on fire, wondering what tomorrow will bring. I told all the people who care that I love them, and wish for the best.

THE DAY AFTER

We came out scarred from our night of unrest. But when the light of day came, we saw the truth bursting out from every corner of the internet. Stories of provocateurs and malcontents that would highjack these protest for their own end. When I saw I was furious, and so was everyone else who had any sense.

They will not take these protest from us. They will not have the final say. A fire was lit that day.