The UL Student Action and Organizing Committee along with the local chapter of the NAACP and Move the Mindset are planning to host a peaceful rally on Sunday.
Organizers say they want to stand in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis against police brutality and racial profiling.
These organizations banded together after multiple people reached out to them looking for a way to protest. Mark Mallory with the UL Student Action Committee hopes this rally will spark conversations that need to be had here in Acadiana.
Marja Broussard, President of the local NAACP chapter said, "I'm thankful that this group of young people are taking the lead. We've always talked about bridging the gap and this is part of what that is. We'll support them. It's going to be a peaceful rally, a demonstration and hopefully have a large impact. This is not a Minneapolis issue. This happens across the country. We want to work towards changing that. The disparities in the African American community is so much. This is one way of working together towards the change that we want to see."
We reached out to the Lafayette Police Department and they say they are aware of the rally and are taking precautions. A police spokesperson added that previous protests in Lafayette have remained peaceful and he's hopeful the rally Sunday will be peaceful and the group's message will be heard.
Organizers are encouraging participants to make posters and to wear face masks as they will be practicing social distancing.
The rally will take place at the corner of Johnston Street and University Avenue from 11:00 until noon.
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