June 15, 2020 — Another peaceful demonstration took place on Sunday, aimed at adding “Traction to the Action” of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Several hundred people, mostly masked, rallied in Todd Grove Park in Ukiah, then marched to Alex Thomas Plaza, chanting and holding signs urging the end of racism and memorializing black victims of police violence.
Union organizer Troyle Tognoli, who is spearheading the new Black Lives Matter chapter in Mendocino County, laid out a number of goals for the crowd in the park.These include forming a citizens review board that will examine decisions by local law enforcement agencies, the standing of their officers, and complaints by members of the public.
She wants a lot more black history in the schools, and an official black history month in the city of Ukiah. A long-term goal is a regional block with other Black Lives Matter chapters in Northern California.
After the march and another quick rally in the plaza, Tognoli gave a recap of the chapter’s first event and spoke about her plans.