Dozens of area citizens attended a protest Thursday in Norwich remembering George Floyd and brining awareness of racial inequality. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH – Dozens of local residents held a six hour peaceful protest in front of the Chenango County Courthouse Thursday to heighten awareness of racial inequality and police brutality.

The protest highlighted the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. It took place from 2 to 8 p.m. in West Park.

The protest was organized by three local residents.

One of them, Latoya Jenkins said, “We live in a a small community where we are very much the minority. Most of the black people that are here are pretty much all the black people in this community. And we’re scared, we’re tired, we’re outraged. I felt compelled to come and speak up and speak out, because who else?”

A registered nurse for six years, she said she had cared for many people in town.

“You can not be silent anymore, silence doesn’t get us anywhere,” she said. “Mr. Floyd lost his life. His death paved the way for this to happen. It had to happen.”

Many other black community members spoke about their local experiences.

Carlos Ithier, a local graduate attended the protest with his father.

“I grew up here, there is some racist stuff that happens but most of my friends know I’m all about non-discrimination, that nothing happens toward the black community and family. I try to make everybody come in, instead of going against each other, because that’s a big place in my heart. To make sure everyone is together instead of apart. I try to make a positive impact on my county.” he said. “Sticking together is the most important part. Not being apart.”

His father Carlos Ithier Sr. said he moved to Norwich from Harlem more than 27 years ago to raise a family.

“We are very thankful for people we’ve had the opportunity to meet, but we think now is the time for us to speak out nationally on the social injustice we are experiencing,” he said. “We appreciate all the support and people that came out, it doesn’t matter race or creed.”

Ither said local police did a good job of keeping people safe, but said they should attempt more local outreach to minority communities. He said this should begin with local leaders and politicians. He asked people to support legislation to solve these issues.

“We are all one,” both father and son said.

Chenango Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. was at the protest. The police presence Thursday was represented by about six officer standing on the Chenango Courthouse steps.

The sheriff seemed to be the sole law enforcement officer in the park Thursday. He walked around the park a few times. He introduced himself and often kept a respectful distance. He encouraged people to be peaceful and reminded others to try and

follow health guidelines.

“One thing I don’t want people to lose sight of, is the last thing we need is for this virus to resurrect itself.”

He said police had issued a traffic warning Wednesday to ensure the protesters’ safety.

“Everyone has a right to an opinion and has a right to express it,” said the sheriff. “We all need to be respectful of that.”

“There was some fear, you see on TV the rioting. I had to reassure people these are local people living in the county who want to protest peacefully. They have a right to do that,” he said. “I appreciate the cooperation and the respect for each other today.”

Cutting said he had watched the video of George Floyd. “Like everybody I was horrified by it. You are looking at arrest techniques that are not trained in New York. We are an accredited agency- those types of things are just not in our training.”

Cutting said he would like to see the rest of the video. “I am making no excuse for the officers. It was wrong. I would like to see what led up to that.”

Floyd is a black man who authorities say was murdered by a white Minneapolis police officer during an arrest. Three other police officers have also been charged. The incident, caught on video by a teen, shows an officer pinning a knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes as he begs for air.

You can watch how the protests unfolded, and hear what those attended had to say, on the Evening Sun Facebook page.