Peaceful Black Lives Matter march leads to Jeannette rally

Jeannette Jayhawks’ longtime equipment coordinator Dan Cooper had a message for young people at a Black Lives Matter march and rally Thursday: “Go get it.”

He encouraged them to chase their dreams while telling their families to start getting involved in the community if they want to see change.

“Anything you want to do, go get it,” Cooper said. “Don’t let anybody put you in the cement and hold you down.”

Cooper’s comments came during a rally after a peaceful Black Lives Matter march down Clay Avenue to a parking lot on Magee Avenue. About 40 people brought signs pushing for racial justice and stood in the parking lot listening to speakers on a hot July day.

The group started with a prayer and then took to the city’s downtown area led by police officers. They yelled chants such as “My skin is not a crime” and “Stop killing us.”

Co-organizer Marissa McGowan said she hoped the event will show young people there are opportunities for them while sharing struggles that members of the Black community face. There were young and old people there as well as whites and Blacks. Having the support from white people was important, McGowan said.

We want to be accepted … we want to be accepted into the community as an equal,” she said.

James Galik, vice chairman of Westmoreland Diversity Coalition, said community events such as Thursday’s march and rally are important and can show people how to appreciate others’ differences.

“Racism is a white people problem,” he said.

McGowan worked with a committee to plan the event. They hope to continue push for change and better lives for children in Jeannette. She asked rally participants to help bring about more positive Black role models in the community, from restaurant owners to teachers.

“We want to work with our officers and city council members to make sure our city stays safe,” she said. “If they don’t have anything to look up to, then they’ll look anywhere.”