'We're in this together'

Together protestors and officers of the Newton Police Department took a knee on the lawn of the Jasper County Courthouse to mourn the unjust death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in the custody of Minneapolis police and whose memory has sparked a social movement across the United States.

For a Monday night, traffic was unusually thick along First Avenue. Passersby, many with phones in-hand, watched as people wearing face masks displayed signs condemning white supremacy and repeatedly shouting the name “George Floyd” when they marched the perimeter of the town square.

Beyonka Kulley, of Newton, participated in the peaceful protest with a friend on the corner of First Avenue and West Second Street North. The 18-year-old, Newton High School graduate held a handmade sign that said, in capital letters, “BLACK LIVES MATTER,” a chant that bellowed through the streets.

Since she was 12 years old, Kulley, who is black, has lived in Newton with her family. By that same age, Kulley had already been called racial slurs. She also said people would not be friends with her or date her because of the color of her skin. She brushes it off, but stressed it is a problem, “even in small towns.”

“People don’t know how to feel when things like race are brought into the situation, and sometimes that kind of causes denial,” she said. “Also with privilege we don’t know how to recognize it, especially with those in authority. Sometimes it’s hard for them to realize the truth and how they can help.”

Officers of the Newton Police Department, wearing their traditional uniforms, were posted in all corners of the town square. Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess remained with the large portion of the protesting crowd, and, at more than one point, took a knee with them in remembrance of Floyd.

No one can look at what happened to Floyd and say that was right, Burdess said. The Minnesota man was accused of using a counterfeit bill at a market and was subsequently apprehended by officers. The incident was captured on video by onlookers and was widely circulated on social media.

Footage depicted officer Derek Chauvin pinning his knee onto Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, which some have described as an excessive use of force. Officers J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane held down Floyd’s back and legs. Office Tou Thao stood by to prevent bystanders from intervening.

Before he became unresponsive, Floyd could be heard saying, “I can’t breathe,” which returned as a rallying cry at protests and other demonstrations. The slogan was first introduced when Eric Garner died after being placed in a chokehold by an officer of the New York City Police Department.

The results of two autopsies agreed Floyd’s death was a homicide, the Star Tribune’s Liz Navratil and Paul Walsh reported Tuesday. All four officers involved have since been fired. Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

By taking a knee and recognizing what happened to Floyd was — as Burdess put it — “evil,” the police and their fellow citizens could show a sign of unity.

“We’re in this together,” he said. “It’s sad it takes an event like that to bring communities together. In the same sense, it’s an eye opener for all of us that there’s more work to do in this country, not only between law enforcement and the community, but society as a whole. We got a lot of work to do.”

Some people may have been driving by “to see a show,” Burdess added. But what he hopes they saw instead was a great example of how to honor someone who was murdered. He hopes the community sees the citizens and the police getting along.

“We want to improve relations. We’re family,” he said. “I hope they saw what we saw: a powerful moment tonight.”

Word got around about the evening protest at the town square. Even the mayor and city council vaguely mentioned it before concluding their bi-weekly meeting. Newton Mayor Mike Hansen, who was later seen at the square, commended those who wanted to express themselves peacefully.

However, the mayor added the city was prepared in case activity were to escalate. Robbie Robinson, executive director of Discover Hope 517 Ministry, was honored to be part of the demonstration. And he was glad it stayed peaceful. Whatever craziness was expected to happen never did.

“I believe that the Lord blessed us because he stopped whoever was supposed to come, or whatever that was about — they didn’t make it,” Robinson told the Jasper County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday morning.

“They got hit with a spiritual wall and didn’t make it into the community.”

Those who did show up, Robinson added, wanted to “express their hearts and opinions.” Since there was no rioting or acts of violence, their voices “were truly heard” in Newton that night. As a pastor and as a leader in the community, Robinson said protesters ultimately want “justice for the injustice.”

Protests in Floyd’s name have been held across the country, some of which have resulted in property damages and even deaths. Associated Press’ Lisa Marie Pane reported an owner of a Louisville barbecue restaurant, a former lineman for Indiana University and a federal officer are amongst those killed.

Associated Press’ Ryan J. Foley reported 22-year-old Italia Marie Kelly, who “went by the last name Impinto,” was fatally shot overnight after leaving a protest against police brutality in Davenport. Cities have been imposing 9 p.m. curfews presumably to cut down on store looting.

Newton and Jasper County did not have a curfew. Regardless, business owners in the downtown district assumed there was a possibility of property damage. This led many people to stand outside retail spaces while the protest ensued near the courthouse.

In a Facebook post, Brock Patterson, owner of Bridgehouse Coffee Co., told people to not defend his store if the protest became violent and resulted in looting and destruction. “Everything in it can be replaced,” the post said, “your safety is my only concern.”

Julia Prendergast, owner of Fine Things Reclaimed, could see the protest from inside her First Avenue storefront. A group of guys, including her husband, were standing guard at the door. Prendergast said she had no problem with people peacefully protesting, but did not want to see stores damaged.

“All the businesses have been closed — we’ve had enough. The last thing you need is something like that,” she said, referring to the state’s restrictions on businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “I totally get it. I’m infuriated by it as well.”

Small businesses cannot absorb the monetary damages as well as a larger corporation, Prendergast said, especially after re-opening their doors about a month ago. Some residents gathered around their downtown businesses, fully agreeing with the crowd’s right to peacefully protest but stood against looting.

Andy Hamm, of Newton, watched the protest from beneath the business canopies on West Second Street North. Hamm, who is white, said he was glad to see Robinson, who runs a local ministry to help people with addictions, acting as a leader among those protesting.

“I’m grateful that he’s down here to be a leader,” Hamm said. “Me being a leader over there ain’t going to help in this situation.”

Several protestors told Newton News they had no intention of causing a stir or a riot. Will Hurbert, of Newton, said those participating, himself included, wanted justice preserved for Floyd and to speak out against racial inequality. Monday also just happened to be Hurbert’s birthday.

“I’m blessed to see another year, and some people are not,” Hurbert said. “We need to stand together. We need to come together in unity, no matter what color you are. Justice needs to be preserved because that was not right … Should have never happened. That’s a bad situation. It could have been me.”

Melvin Conley, of Newton, is protective of the town he has lived in for 15 years. From what he could see, the group’s message was received loud and clear. The community, whether they participated directly or watched from their vehicle, took notice of the protestors’ voices and their actions.

"This right here was a very nice protest," Conley said. "Everybody was acting like they had some sense. That's all that matters to me. This is a place where your children can grow up and have a future … This is my town."

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com