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Black Lives Matter movement comes to Marietta

By Janelle Patterson 4 min read

Fourteen individuals of color stepped up to a microphone and bared their souls to more than 1,000 people in Marietta's East Muskingum Park Sunday.

"You know, I just came as me, to spread that message of love, all love here," said Dennis Mwagbe, 24, of Marietta. "I wrote that speech this morning in about two hours, but it's something that's been on my heart and in my head for weeks."

The goal of the peaceful protest, organized by Hayla Zyla-Dennis, and Kensley Lowther, both Marietta High School graduates, was to give persons of color a chance to be heard by a respectful, quiet audience.

The pair gained the support of many, offering to bring food, water, medical supplies, extra trash bins and even armed private militia to protect the rights of assembly and free speech, as the crowd stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"The girls had goodness in their heart and we wanted to help and had so much support in covering the cost of food to raise donations for the 'Movement Black Lives' fund," said Tim Turner as he, Chris Fennell and Ben Smith gave out sandwiches, pasta salad and chips purchased at cost from DaVinci's restaurant.

The group raised $797 for the fund.

The Black Lives Matter movement is one seeing similar protests and demonstrations filling parks and streets across the United States, with individuals speaking out against the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and several other persons of color who died by the hands, knees or bullets of armed police officers.

Fourteen speakers shared songs, poetry, tears and prayer with the crowd.

William Vanderberg, who moved to Washington County from New York a year ago, said he has had pleasant experiences thus far in the Mid-Ohio Valley, but the movement is to ensure that "my children's children are safe."

Tyler Preston, 31, of Marietta, asked the crowd to place their hands on their hearts as he prayed for healing and peace.

Dante Sherman, 31, a Marietta College graduate who was "adopted" by the Miller family in Marietta while in school and has stayed close after his grandmother passed, spoke of the racism he experienced on and off-campus while living in the city.

But each of the speakers offered the microphone were welcomed with applause and given hugs, handshakes and laughter after the demonstration concluded.

"I think what hits home is we almost proved those who didn't believe we could stay peaceful wrong," said Zyla-Dennis after the park was cleared. "We did it, and we did it in solidarity and in peace."

Attendees of all colors seemed to shared the similar thoughts as they left the protest, one of greater unity.

"The United States was founded on principles that are being neglected," said Sergio Cooman, 32, of Marietta. "All people are supposed to be equal and yet we aren't, and often there is no justice served when people are wronged. There are extremists in every culture, but those of white color who commit injustices in the name of God are often justified and nothing happens to them. We need to hold everyone to the same standard."

When asked how he felt about the event being organized by Zyla-Dennis and Lowther, who are both caucasian, Trey Stephens, 25, of Parkersburg was thankful.

"We need allies, we need everyone on our side in order for change to start happening," Stephens said. "I am proud that so many people in our community are willing to stand with us."

One individual did storm the stage to speak, but the microphone was quickly turned off and they were escorted from the gazebo stage to allow for more individuals of color to share.

See more videos of this demonstration and of the peaceful march just across the Ohio River in Parkersburg W.Va. below

May 31; Parkersburg:

Starting at /week.