ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) — Elizabeth Metropolis will rent an artist to color the phrases “Black Lives Matter” on the road that runs previous the Pasquotank County Public Security constructing.
Elizabeth Metropolis Metropolis Council voted 5-1 Monday evening to maneuver ahead with the concept introduced by Councilman Darius Horton, who stated the town must ship a message to these nonetheless upset by the killing of Andrew Brown Jr. by county sheriff’s deputies again on April 21.
Final week, District Lawyer Andrew Womble introduced he wouldn’t file prison prices towards the three deputies who confronted Brown in an try and serve a drug arrest warrant. Womble stated his opinion is using lethal power was justified, as Brown was a menace when he drove his automobile within the course of officers.
Protesters disagree and have referred to as Brown’s demise a homicide. They, together with the household, have requested for federal authorities to step in. Nightly protests in metropolis streets have continued, with demonstrators calling for justice.
“Damage individuals damage individuals,” Horton stated when making the proposal that was added to the agenda. “We now have to ship message to our group that sure all lives matter, however proper now black lives matter.”
Horton stated the concept got here to him after seeing similar displays in different main cities following the murder of George Floyd a year ago. These marching in Elizabeth Metropolis have been assembly outdoors the general public security constructing alongside Colonial Avenue, which occurs to be the place the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s workplace is situated.
Solely Councilwoman Jeannie Younger voted towards the proposal, saying she doesn’t favor naming any public property after individuals or teams. Councilman Billy Caudle was absent.
No price estimate was revealed.
Metropolis Supervisor Montre’ Freeman did say the town has spent greater than $323,000 on its response thus far since Brown’s demise. Law enforcement officials have labored extra time and out of doors regulation enforcement businesses have are available to assist handle protests.
“I can’t even think about what you and your division have been going via,” stated Councilman Gabriel Adkins, who has helped to steer protests. He informed Chief Eddie Buffaloe that he commends the work they’ve carried out.
