Jonathon Harris spoke through a megaphone Friday evening to about 200 protesters in front of the Clark County Courthouse to send a message.
“We’re done with all this hate,” he said.
The protesters joined the nationwide movement to denounce systemic racism, as part of a wave of protest sparked by the death of George Floyd after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes May 25 in Minneapolis.
The event followed a week of protests around Clark County, including a noontime demonstration that brought hundreds to Northeast Third Avenue in Camas on Friday and an evening demonstration on Wednesday that drew hundreds to Pioneer Street in Ridgefield.
Harris, of Vancouver, called upon the Vancouver Police Department to “reform the department” with training and by educating children about social justice and race.
“I’m proud to live in this city,” Harris said. “People are watching (on social media), seeing the love for the black community.”
Demonstrations will continue Saturday with a Car Rally for Black Lives hosted by NAACP Vancouver and YWCA Clark County.
The rally will be held at noon at the Town Plaza Center, 5411 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Cars will drive to the Port of Vancouver Terminal 1. Participants must register for the rally at www.naacpvancouverwa.org/event-info/car-rally-for-black-lives.
