Romeoville Resident Uses Own 'Privilege' To Be Vocal About Racism

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A small, albeit resilient, group of protesters gathered outside the Romeoville Village Hall on Friday to condemn the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died in Minneapolis May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck while trying to arrest him.

"The very public murder of Floyd by a white police officer was just another in a long line of systematic racial discrimination," said protest organizer Alicia Gutierrez. "I feel we all have a responsibility to speak out about injustice even if it does not happen in your hometown."

Throngs of people took to the streets across Illinois over the weekend, and while some rallies were peaceful, others ended in looting of local businesses and arrests. Gutierrez said the Romeoville police "were very respectful about the protest."

Video Shows Chicago Cops Dragged, Then Protected By Protesters

Officers Pelted With 'Rocks, Bricks, Bottles' In Lake Co.: Cops

Police SUV Blows Up, State Of Emergency Declared In Aurora: Video

"They gave each family group a half sheet of paper explaining that they did not condone what happened to Floyd," she said.

Gutierrez has lived in the village for 15 years and most of her interactions with the local police officers have been amicable and respectful, she said. But she also believes the reason for that is because she is a white woman and "if I was African American, I believe that I would have a different narrative," she said.

Despite the pessimism received from those that did not wish to be a part of this cause, Gutierrez said it is important to speak out against racism

"It was horrific, cold-blooded murder by someone whose job is protecting people, not harming them. It is white people's duty to use their privilege to be vocal about these issues.," she said. "It is time for people to unify, speak out against injustices in all forms, and be kind to each other. "

For more news and information like this, subscribe to the Romeoville Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. Don't forget to like us on Facebook!