UPDATE: Small, quiet Black Lives Matter demonstration in The Junction; another planned Saturday

2:12 PM: That small, quiet gathering of people at California/Alaska is all that’s going on in The Junction right now. Rumors of something more turbulent were circulating on social media today but were unfounded.

2:22 PM: Our crew’s still there, as is the small group, walking across All-Ways with the signal (as did a group during the street-corner demonstrations on Saturday afternoon). For those who have asked, there have been many rumors of other protest times/places but so far we haven’t seen any credible actual announcements.

2:56 PM: A few more people have shown up, according to scanner traffic, estimating about two dozen people. We just looked at the live traffic camera – same group that we saw. Adding photos from our crew, including a passerby expressing appreciation:

3:40 PM: Still checking the camera. About a dozen people still walking back and forth across Walk All Ways.

4:02 PM: As we noted in comments, the mayor is speaking at 4:15 pm. We’ll cover that separately. (Added: That’s been delayed – 4:35 pm and it hasn’t started yet, but we’ll publish a separate story as soon as it does. … Update, mayor now delayed until 5:30 pm.)

6:02 PM: We’re covering the mayor’s remarks separately. Meantime, we’ve heard from students who are organizing a 2 pm protest in The Junction on Saturday (June 6), the next confirmed event we know of.

7:35 PM: We drove back through The Junction a few minutes ago; still several demonstrators in Walk All Ways.

The Rog June 2, 2020 (2:20 pm)

Any word on a curfew today?

WSB June 2, 2020 (2:48 pm)

Not so far.
- Toph June 2, 2020 (3:10 pm)
  
  From the FAQhttps://durkan.seattle.gov/2020/05/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-curfew-order/”The new curfew order is effective between the hours of from 6:00 p.m.
  on Monday, June 1 and ends at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2. During the
  curfew hours, residents should refrain from traveling in and through
  Seattle. “
  - WSB June 2, 2020 (3:55 pm)
    
    That was yesterday into today. No announcement yet for tonight but the mayor is speaking at 4:15 pm so we’ll hear then.
    - jonny June 2, 2020 (10:24 pm)
      
      Any info about the 3 strong arm robberies that show on your twitter feed today?
    - WSB June 2, 2020 (10:39 pm)
      
      Unrelated. (More on them in the morning.)

IRON June 2, 2020 (2:38 pm)

Is another curfew in effect for tonight? Will target and TJs be closing early again?

WSB June 2, 2020 (2:54 pm)

Though I’m not seeing a city curfew announced, someone texted to claim Target was closing early abruptly again. CAVEAT: WE HAVE NOT VERIFIED THIS but will be driving over in a bit to check.
- ML June 2, 2020 (3:23 pm)
  
  It’s true. I was at the Target when they started clearing people from the building. They said there were looters in White Center. I don’t know if that’s true or not but there was a police presence.
- Bree June 2, 2020 (3:47 pm)
  
  Target lookin closed. Unsure what time they officially locked up
- Rebecca Ross June 2, 2020 (3:52 pm)
  
  Target was closed and had a line of shopping carts and masked employees in front of the entrance as of 3pm. Big 5 and rite aid were considering early closures as of this afternoon as well. There is a police presence and mall management has removed loose sidewalk items and social distancing guidance stands. All out of precaution from an assortment of sources. (Westwood village Retail Manager)

ally cat June 2, 2020 (2:44 pm)

💛

I propose a challenge for WS…

Can we post more comments of support for black lives and racial justice here, than the number of comments on the latest bridge update post?

Can some of you show up right now to demonstrate peaceably in the junction?

Just quickly write a message on a piece of paper, or grab your bible, and go!

RSO June 2, 2020 (5:01 pm)

I love your challenge, ALLY CAT. Unfortunately I couldn’t be at the demonstration, but I can say that BLACK LIVES MATTER. We all need to take action and do what we can to fight racism and racial injustice.
T June 2, 2020 (5:24 pm)

Thank you for this great thought ally cat!
LJ June 2, 2020 (6:22 pm)

Black lives matter. How can we stay in the loop on any future demonstrations?
- ROGERSRIACHGROVESGREENE June 3, 2020 (9:23 pm)
  
  https://www.facebook.com/events/957294041396059/?active_tab=discussionThere will be a march this Saturday! Come march with us!
AMD June 2, 2020 (8:23 pm)

Desmond Hansen’s latest portrait is George Floyd, NW corner of 16th & Roxbury
- WSB June 2, 2020 (8:52 pm)
  
  Yes! We just heard about this and will have a separate post featuring it a bit later.
DRG June 2, 2020 (9:19 pm)

Thank you, Ally Cat! Black lives matter.

Yma June 2, 2020 (2:51 pm)

Hey – thank you for your peaceful protest!

Yma June 2, 2020 (2:53 pm)

Ok- how can we help protect our wonderful businesses if things go bad tonight?

Patrick June 2, 2020 (3:46 pm)

Yma, you are absolutely right. Those youths in front of Easy Street have those masks to cover their identity when they riot tonight.
- West Seattle since 1979 June 2, 2020 (4:44 pm)
  
  Yeah, no. I understand many of the rioters are not the same people as the peaceful protesters.
- Kahina June 2, 2020 (7:49 pm)
  
  no patrick, we wore masks because there’s a world wide pandemic !! oh , and if you look closely , you can see that the adults are also wearing masks . :)
- Michael Hock June 2, 2020 (7:49 pm)
  
  How do those boots taste, Patrick?
- Karlynn June 2, 2020 (11:27 pm)
  
  Sorry, Patrick, but my 7 year old and 15 year old protesters and their masks are in bed sleeping soundly. I wouldn’t let them out to riot or loot tonight. Not on a virtual school night. Masks aren’t for hiding identity in these times, we wore them to be responsible citizens. Last I checked, the Junction is safe and sound. Us peaceful protesters aren’t the looters.
- CAM June 3, 2020 (12:05 am)
  
  Hey Patrick – I appreciated the sarcasm even if it seems to have missed everyone else.
- Teri Ensley June 3, 2020 (10:11 am)
  
  Patrick…the youth have masks on because of COVID-19 and respect for others’ health and safety. If you were ‘trying’ to be funny – this was not the time or place.
Open June 2, 2020 (3:59 pm)

Yes how and when can we help protect our neighbors!! Open to peaceful protests and protecting our storefronts. Please post for all of us that are ready to help anytime!
ally cat June 2, 2020 (6:01 pm)

How can we help protect black lives?
- Elle Nell June 2, 2020 (6:26 pm)
  
  Alley Cat, thank you!! Those are the the questions of change … and what a wonderful feeling to be responsible for real change!
- Teri Ensley June 3, 2020 (10:27 am)
  
  Thank you for your question. We can help in many ways. First, become educated/aware of what racism and prejudice looks like in daily life. Raising our awareness is critical – we have to step outside our bubble of comfort.When you see or hear it, speak up – call it out – make it stop. Share information/educate others – for instance, if someone asks, ‘Don’t All Lives Matter?” ( a very common comment), explain it – here are some words: ‘ All Lives should matter, but until Black Lives Matter just as much as White Lives, we can’t get to ‘all lives matter’. Or another way is to say, ‘ Black Lives Matter….just as much as White Lives. 2. Read. Read. Read. Then read some more. So much great information and ideas on how to take action. If you want a reading list, please email me at teri.f.ensley@gmail.com.3. Watch documentaries. 4. Watch for workshops and classes. Attend them them or participate online. Town Hall has some very interesting events.
  
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  5. Join this Seattle group: https://www.facebook.com/carwseattle/
  : Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites –
  CARW6. AND don’t ask African Americans to educate you….they have to educate white people everyday, while dealing with daily racism and prejudice.
LJ June 2, 2020 (6:24 pm)

If you value a piece of property over somebody’s life, you may want to reevaluate your values.

JAC June 2, 2020 (3:14 pm)

Your piece states there haven’t been “any credible actual announcements” — what does that mean? Not sure what qualifies as “credible”. Have there just been a couple random texts/emails from people? Postings somewhere? It’d be interesting to see where the incredible announcements are and who reported them…

WSB June 2, 2020 (4:00 pm)

Yes, many people texting or emailing to say “they heard,” and where they “heard” was generally from someone posting on social media to say THEY “heard,” etc.

Erech Overaker June 2, 2020 (3:34 pm)

Target closing when I stopped by around 2:45p, just fyi.

Chuck June 2, 2020 (3:36 pm)

To the woman carrying the two-sided “silence is violence” sign. I looked up what ACAB means (all cops are bastards, displayed on other side) and I would just like to say how completely disappointed I was to learn that slogan. Worse, knowing that you and the other moms are teaching hate in just another form. No wonder we have never-ending hate in this world. That cop you are teaching your child to hate may just be the one to save your life one day. Teaching absolutes, “one size fits all” is just irresponsible. Shame on you.

Dan Keller June 2, 2020 (3:37 pm)

My Admiral Safeway is business as usual, closing at 1:00am.

Lola June 2, 2020 (3:42 pm)

Someone was at Trader Joe’s earlier today and said that they were closing at 4:00 PM today.

WSB June 2, 2020 (3:50 pm)

Mayoral news conference just announced for 4:15 pm.

flimflam June 2, 2020 (4:47 pm)

“rescheduled” to 5:30. any idea why?
- WSB June 2, 2020 (6:08 pm)
  
  She apparently was speaking with demonstrators downtown.
WSJoy June 2, 2020 (4:51 pm)

Per Twitter it’s now taking place at 5:30pm.

Anonymous June 2, 2020 (3:57 pm)

there is going to be another protest at the junction on friday !

WSB June 2, 2020 (5:58 pm)

I’ve heard from students who say they are organizing this so it seems to be bonafide.
SM June 2, 2020 (6:00 pm)

Thanks for the info- I’ll plan on being there!
ally cat June 2, 2020 (6:15 pm)

Thanks for sharing this!

Also thank you to everyone sharing comments of love and support!
LJ June 2, 2020 (6:24 pm)

Is this Friday or Saturday? 6.6 is Saturday.
Sm June 2, 2020 (6:33 pm)

I will be there! Thank you!
Anonymous June 3, 2020 (3:14 pm)

Will there be a group on Sunday?

Bronson June 2, 2020 (4:20 pm)

Does anyone know of, or have access to, a list of African American-owned business in West Seattle? Would love to get a list together in order to show support to those in our community.

WSB June 2, 2020 (4:37 pm)

We’re building one – started earlier and then got sidetracked – we only have about half a dozen so far so suggestions appreciated.
- ACG June 2, 2020 (4:40 pm)
  
  +1, WSB. Thank you for working on that.
- Wendy Eckert June 2, 2020 (5:34 pm)
  
  Mayor Durkin just finished speech downtown. If you have anything you want to say to protest organizers, connect by email: seattlesunited@gmail.com. Meeting with organizers and mayor tomorrow at 3:00.
- Nikki Marshall June 2, 2020 (6:16 pm)
  
  Lika love!!

sgs June 2, 2020 (4:21 pm)

I wish I would have known and joined you!

Yma June 2, 2020 (4:56 pm)

@Bronson there are many locally owned businesses in West Seattle. They’ve been hit huge by the Corona virus. Let’s help them all.

ally cat June 2, 2020 (6:59 pm)

Yes but right now we’re specifically expressing support for the black community, who have been socially and economically oppressed, the entire history of our country.

Thank you for raising this Bronson. I would love to be more aware of and support black owned businesses.
- Yma June 2, 2020 (8:33 pm)
  
  @ally cat helping to keep safe all our businesses is not in defiance of the message & need that Black Lives Matter. If we’re going to do something in West Seattle- we can do both.
  - ally cat June 2, 2020 (9:29 pm)
    
    It is racially insensitive to bring the needs of all into a conversation specifically about racial justice for black lives. We need to help lift black lives into equity with white lives.
    
    White business owners may have other challenges right now and we should support them as well, but that is a conversation for a different thread.
KBear June 2, 2020 (7:18 pm)

@Yma, the question was about local Black-owned businesses, not all local businesses.

HS June 2, 2020 (5:04 pm)

Don’t forget to fill out your census. It’s online if you didn’t get it in the mail, like myself (2020 census dot gov). Especially if you live in a “historically redlined“ or “lower income” part of the city. For West Seattle that means everything south of Morgan street and east of 35th – Highpoint, Roxhill, Delridge, etc. Give your, often mixed race and age community access to funds and services to help the people in your community succeed and flourish. It’s a very good way to confront funding for schools, community services and enable access to generational wealth through property ownership.

Que June 2, 2020 (5:05 pm)

Thank you to folks who are expressing their support for the demonstrationBLACK. LIVES. MATTER. Until all Black people feel supported and protected in the same way that White people are supported and protected in our society, our work is not done.

Mj June 2, 2020 (5:25 pm)

Bronson that is good inquiry.

RickB June 2, 2020 (5:30 pm)

Black Lives Matter!

Cheese June 2, 2020 (5:38 pm)

They’re actually following the cross-walk signals. Good on ya West Seattle!

Greg June 2, 2020 (5:57 pm)

Black Lives Matter. In Solidarity.

drew June 2, 2020 (5:59 pm)

Thank you for protesting. You are being seen and being heard and know that you have support and are representing many. In this day and age it is not only important as our right to protest but also an act and show of bravery that sadly given the current climate some may feel too intimidated to exercise.

Elle Nell June 2, 2020 (6:12 pm)

BLACK LIVES MATTER ✊
/span>Silence IS Violence.
UNITED- we can’t be divided!!

xo June 2, 2020 (6:28 pm)

BLACK LIVES MATTERThank you for your presence in West Seattle, protestors!

sm June 2, 2020 (6:32 pm)

I would love if west seattle blog would post WHEN and WHERE in advance we can protest for black lives matter in our neighborhood for those of us not on social media. Thank you so much!

WSB June 2, 2020 (6:37 pm)

The just-confirmed Saturday event (graphic upthread) is the only one we’ve confirmed by hearing directly from organizers. The one on Saturday (streetcorners), we only heard about minutes in advance (thank you to the person who tipped us), so there was no time to say “this is going to happen.”
- Sm June 2, 2020 (8:06 pm)
  
  Gotcha! I appreciate you!

West Seattle since 1979 June 2, 2020 (6:36 pm)

Black Lives Matter!

miws June 2, 2020 (6:41 pm)

AJP June 2, 2020 (7:14 pm)

Thank you for this little march. Black lives matter!

NicoleWSea June 2, 2020 (7:14 pm)

Black Lives Matter ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼 We all have a responsibility to stand up for what’s right. Thank you to those who are protesting and making your voices heard!

aH June 2, 2020 (7:47 pm)

Will be there Saturday to support. My kids are making signs. Black Lives Matter. Let’s show up, West Seattle!

birdrescuer June 2, 2020 (8:08 pm)

THANK YOU!!!!

heartless June 2, 2020 (8:10 pm)

Black Lives Matter

E June 2, 2020 (9:04 pm)

Black Lives Matter!

WSDUDEMAN June 2, 2020 (9:40 pm)

Great job West Seattle! That’s how you do it.

Canton June 2, 2020 (9:56 pm)

Via the police scanner, sounds like things downtown, are starting to escalate. Too bad televised news isn’t following.

WSB June 2, 2020 (10:41 pm)

The tac channels don’t sound too bad, nothing like the last two nights. But you should be able to find somebody streaming. … ETA: No sooner did I type that, than they’re reporting someone’s throwing rocks.

okayyy June 3, 2020 (3:55 am)

Interesting how these corporations like Target are doing more to protect their merchandise than they did to protect their workers from Covid19

momosmom June 3, 2020 (6:46 am)

Now if all this support for people of color would last until the end of time and not just for a few weeks worth of “posts” to make the poster feel good.

Momof2 June 3, 2020 (7:46 am)

I’m bringing my two young sons to this – Goggles/ masks and all. This is too important of a time to be sitting around and watching others and making comments from our sofas. West Seattle should be learning from this experience and better for it. #blacklivesmatter. Let’s all take a knee in solidarity.

YES2WS June 3, 2020 (8:30 am)

Not only do Black Lives Matter…….. White silence kills. Thank you for the protests!

RogersRiachGrovesGreene June 3, 2020 (3:04 pm)

There will also be a march on Saturday and we will join the Junction Protest noted here. We encourage anyone and everyone to join this PEACEFUL march down California Avenue starting at AnyTime Fitness parking lot at the corner of California and College St. Please bring signs! We will gather in the parking lot and start the walk at approximately 1pm with the goal of joining the protest at the Alaska Junction. Come out and walk with your community and show our unity. Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/630936417497491/