Over the weekend, protests occurred around North Georgia over the murder of George Floyd, but none were quite as significant as the one in Forsyth County - a county known for its history of divisive racism. At one time, Forsyth County was the center of national controversy as an “all-white” county.
Dr. Brandon Seay, a Forsyth County native, says that he grew up in the county, unaware of the history. “I grew up in Forsyth County but didn’t realize the history we had here. It wasn’t until I was older, and began talking to my college peers, that I fully grasped the situation.”
It was that awareness that prompted him to attend a protest this last Saturday, June 6 at the Forsyth County courthouse. Seay said he was surprised to hear from those who were speaking about their experiences living in the county. “There are African Americans in our own community that have had bad experiences where they didn’t feel safe in their own hometown. So, having this big of an event, filling the courthouse square, showing that they have our support makes a big difference. We want the African American community to know that they have been heard.”
According to a social media post made by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), almost 900 demonstrators showed up and held a peaceful gathering. There were no arrests, no incidents and the FCSO complimented those who initiated the demonstration. “The organizers worked closely with FCSO to ensure a safe event.”
Seay said that he was surprised by the amount of support shown to those who were there. “There overwhelmingly was a lot of support there and that was really encouraging. I’m glad I went. The best part was hearing our African American neighbors’ stories and hearing them say that they were encouraged [by the event].”
One surprise in the day was an appearance by several members of the Black Panthers – a revolutionary organization formed in the ’60s to fight the cause of racial injustices.
“It was interesting to see them show up. They were open carrying [their weapons]. They walked right up to the police officers. They were standing on the steps behind the podium. You can see them standing with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office,“ Seay says. “They were all standing in the same place. That was very emblematic of what this was all about. I don’t think this is something we would’ve seen in Forsyth county when I was growing up. Twenty years ago, even…”
The FCSO commended the demonstrators for such a peaceful event. “Today Forsyth County gave an example to our nation of how people can assemble and have their voices heard in a constructive and peaceful way. Kudos to all concerned.”
