New Facebook Group Gives Residents A Space To 'Speak Freely'

ROMEOVILLE, IL — To offer people a space to voice their opinion about the Black Lives Matter movement, a Romeoville resident started a Facebook group.

Romeoville Residents for BLM is where those who share the same values can meet each other, said admin Kaela Kelly.

"I hope to achieve a group of Romeoville residents who plan events together supporting the BLM movement," she said.

Despite facing harsh comments about the group from those who have different views, Kelly has been not been deterred from her mission. She said she finds the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police officer tragic.

"I think that his death was unjust and uncalled for. I feel like people of color are not always treated equally. I think it’s a systematic issue that is deep-rooted in America," she said.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after the officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes.

Kelly said this is not just a police brutality issue, "this is an injustice issue across the board."

"People of color have been oppressed for years and it’s time to recognize the problem. It’s time to fix it and do better," she added. "This group is important because Romeoville residents deserve a place they can speak freely about the topic and not face hateful comments."