Local media has received this statement from the City of Decatur following last week’s protests during Sunday brunch at local restaurants. Using the hashtag #BlackBrunchATL, videos and photos were posted to Twitter of protesters inside businesses and calling out the names of young black men who have died at the hands of police. Restaurants targeted included Leon’s Full Service, Sweet Melissa’s, 246 and Victory Sandwich Bar.
Here’s the statement in full:
The City of Decatur has intentionally created an attractive, accessible and safe environment for public life. This combined with the city’s role as the county seat of DeKalb County means people gather here all the time, whether for a festival, to enjoy the nice weather or to demonstrate about an issue they feel passionately about. We are viewed as the civic heart of the county and this creates the challenge of democracy in Decatur. Over the past few weeks there have been several protests in and around the Square on both public and private property.
“Our police officers have responded appropriately and professionally by instructing participants that they cannot protest on private property without permission from the owner,” stated Mayor Jim Baskett. “They can protest on public sidewalks as long as they do not obstruct others from using the sidewalks and if they want to have a parade they would need to secure a permit. In the future we would hope that if these individuals are interested in making a statement to DeKalb County that they would choose a venue more closely associated with the county that would allow their voices to be heard by those they are trying to reach.”
Decatur is committed to civic space and public discourse. Civic space is a crucial component of any community, including ours. Peaceful gatherings play a valuable role in our society and will continue to be treated with respect by city staff and the Decatur Police Department.
Police Chief Mike Booker confirmed that, “The Decatur Police Department respects and acknowledges the individual right of every person in this country to assemble peaceably in public. Every Decatur officer is trained to respond to protests and protestors respectfully and professionally. This department will continue to uphold the highest standards when balancing protestors’ constitutional rights with the rights of others who may be impacted.”
Appropriate response to these crowds:
1. Ten to fifteen chants of “Pants up, don’t loot”
2. Three rounds of ‘I Fought the Law and the Law Won’
3. Ten more chants of “Pants up, don’t loot”.
Appropriate response to these crowds:
1. Ten to fifteen chants of “Pants up, don’t loot”
2. Three rounds of ‘I Fought the Law and the Law Won’
3. Ten more chants of “Pants up, don’t loot”.