Stand for Solidarity: Ruidoso protests

This article was updated on June 5.

The Ruidoso community gathered in the parking lot of Albertsons Market on Mechem Drive, at 11 a.m. June 4 to participate in the Stand for Solidarity peaceful protest.

Delaney Davis, Valorie Edmister and Jazmin Estrada began planing the protest on June 3. They immediately noticed how word of the event grew.

"We began by figuring out where we could hold the protest. We ran into some issues of not being able to hold this on any private property and we would need a permit. We looked up the ACLU guidelines and realized that we could stand on a sidewalk as long as we were compliant and peaceful," Davis said.

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About 50 protesters showed up for the 1-hour event, which was organized as a protest against racism and inequality.

About half way into the protest, the protesters took to one knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence in a show of respect for George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died at the hands of a police officer with the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25. His death sparked protests, and in some city riots. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was accused of holding his knee to Floyd's neck for 9 minutes, resulting in his death.

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"We want everyone to understand that this was not any type of riot protest. It was to stand in solidarity with everything that is going on not only in the United States but globally," she said. 

Edminster said participation in the event was larger than expected.

"I am so proud of everyone that came out showing their support. We are hopeful that the one at Walgreens will turn out the same way," said Edmister.

A second event was planned for the same day later in the evening. All COVID-19 safe practices were adhered to during the protest.

"It is important to be compliant with the current public health orders. We passed out face masks that were donated to us for the cause. Our thought were what could we do to help spread the word showing that our community is also against racism," she said.

More:Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd's death

Protesters ranged in ages from middle school-aged children to retired community members.

Angela Bibby, a Ruidoso resident, attended the protest. 

"What we are seeing now and experiencing, is something that I have never seen before in my life. I am just sick...," Bibby said.

"I understand why they are rioting and looting. There seems to be a sense of powerlessness. I  believe that most people do not understand what it is to love in this country and to be of color. I think there were times when racism was not as bad as it is now. It is cart blanch to do whatever you want."

Bibby said she wasn't new to protesting for social change — she walked in the 60s against the Vietnam conflict, and participated in AIDS candlelight walks and vigils in the early 80s. 

She was joined Thursday by many others.

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"I am here protesting against police violence., this needs to stop," said Zach Huffman.

Dual resident of Ruidoso and Minneapolis, Nina Grunseth, also attended the protest. 

"It happened about 2-miles from my home in Minneapolis, but I was here in Ruidoso. I have been feeling absolutely helpless since this all began. This community has great relationships with the Ruidoso Police department, but other places do not. We are a united country and we need to stand up for each other. This whole thing is terrifying, it is inspiring, it is sad, but it is also hopeful. It shows what a collective of people can do," she said.

Organizers plan to continue the protest in different locations throughout Ruidoso over the following weeks. 

Pamela L. Bonner maybe reached at Pbonner@RuidosoNews.com, Pam Bonner on Facebook, @PamelaLBonner1 on Twitter, or by phone at 575-202-5555.