They chanted the names of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor as they marched down Main Street in Yukon on Sunday in a rally against racism.
A group called Canadian County Voices organized the march and met Yukon Mayor Shelli Selby.
Marchers were escorted by police vehicles during a peaceful protest.
“I think it is very important that we bring this message to these smaller towns because there are black people in the community here whose voices needed to be heard, and it is very important that everyone’s voices are heard,” said Adriana Laws, an organizer of the march.
About 50 people joined Canadian County Voices in the “March For Solidarity” that started at 10 W. Main and went east to Yukon Parkway.
Yukon Mayor Selby marched in the rally. Canadian County Democrats chair Jody Harland also took part in the march.
The marchers took eight minutes to remember those affected by racial injustice.
“We’re going to do an eight minute kneel in solidarity,” said Hannah Josey, of Yukon. “A silent eight minutes in honor and recognition of everything that is going on,” Josey said.
Allie Williams, who has lived in Yukon about 12 years, helped organize the rally. Desirae Simmons joined Josey, Laws and Williams as they met with about 50 people who gathered at 10 W. Main Street for instructions before they marched. The marchers waved signs and chanted the names of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis, and Breonna Taylor who died in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ciera Wyrick, 26, of Yukon, made signs to give to people to wave if they needed one. More people showed up than she expected, she said.
“I’m actually surprised by it. I’m really excited about it. This is the first time I’ve actually done something like this. It makes me kind of happy, I guess, and hopeful in my hometown,” Wyrick said.
Michael Hightower and Bella Hightower passed out water to the marchers. They were there representing First Christian Church of Yukon (Disciples of Christ).
“We wanted to come and support our brothers and sisters in the fight against racism,” Hightower said.
