GRAAMA Spared George Floyd Rally Vandalism
Saturday night as people met in Rosa Parks Circle downtown to celebrate the life of George
Floyd and condemn his death by the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, a peaceful demonstration turned ugly.
Protesters became rioters and began breaking windows, looting stores, and setting cars ablaze. George Bayard, Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives Director said he had just left the gathering which ended peacefully but by the time he arrived home his cell phone was blowing up with reports of vandalism." Some live shots showed a glimpse of the Museum but not a clear picture", he said. So after a sleepless night, he met board chair Michael Curtis, GRFD member at the location 87 Monroe Center, and was amazed that no window was broken or graffiti tagging visible. "Sunday morning, we just praised the Lord," he said. The "miracle" was even more evident as we walked around the block and saw every store on Monroe Center damaged by broken glass and looting. Crews were already up, sweeping up glass, boarding vacant windows, and taking toll of the losses. We were blessed, lucky, and thankful to the people who probably saved GRAAMA the hardship of replacing the museum's collection and spending many dollars to recover after being closed for 3 months. Things have been quiet for the next few nights as the national guard and state police have taken over Monroe Center and a city-wide curfew is in effect. Unfortunately, the other Black-owned business on Monroe, Local Moca coffee shop was not as lucky with a broken door and looting. Please support them with a cup of coffee. This sad news comes as great news of Governor Whitmer's stay-at-home orders will be lifted on Monday and GRAAMA will open on Tuesday with restrictions of social distancing, masks, and limited patron numbers. Call 616 649 3778 or www.graama.org for details.
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