Black Lives Matter Will Not Disrupt Twin Cities Marathon
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – The St. Paul chapter of Black Lives Matters will not disrupt the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday.
That's the word from a closed-door meeting between St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and leaders of the organization.
Coleman and city attorney Sammy Clark sat down with organizers of Black Lives Matters and spent hour talking about issues that have communities of color concerned.
Black Lives Matter St. Paul organizer Rashad Turner says his organization will not pose a threat to people running and attending this weekend's marathon.
"Part of our goal is raising awareness," he said. "I think that's been done, another goal is safety. I think it's a balance of those two things."
Coleman says settling issues surrounding the planned protest allows him and Black Lives Matter to focus on what is most important.
"This isn't about a protest on Sunday," Turner said. "It's not about a rally, it's not about the marathon, this is about the work this country and this community needs to do to assure that all are treated fairly and equally under the law."
Coleman says the city continues to address inequality in education, employment and housing.
Turner says Black Lives Matter got what it wanted.
"The mayor took the time to listen," Turner said. "He heard our concerns, he expressed his commitment to our issues in the community."
Coleman says he's thankful for Thursday's talk and looks forward to continued talks, as well as an incident-free marathon.
"Organizers of the march and the rally on Sunday have agreed to not disrupt the course, have agreed that they will not go onto the course," Coleman said. "It is our intent to provide space near the finish line where the rally can happen, where community members can gather, where voices can be raised and heard."
Turner says elders in the community, like former city councilman and civil rights leader Nathaniel Kaliq, helped guide him through Thursday's meeting.
All involved say they are looking forward to further discussion about how to address issues of inequality in St. Paul.