Black Lives Matter Protesting Outside Governor's Residence
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The group Black Lives Matter Saint Paul is protested Tuesday evening at the Governor's Residence in St. Paul.
Just a few days ago, the group marched down Snelling Avenue to the State Fairgrounds, protesting what they say is racial discrimination in the selection of fair vendors.
"They are not going to care unless we get outside in the streets and disrupt some things," Black Lives Matter protester Monique Cullars-Doty said.
Despite the traffic disruptions, some of the toughest criticism came from Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.
He told a local radio talk show last week the group should have started working with the fair months ago and called the protest "inappropriate."
"What purpose does that serve?" Dayton asked in the radio interview. "They've highlighted the issue, but being responsible citizens doesn't mean just protesting. It means taking the responsibility for making it better."
Dayton was not at the official residence Tuesday night.
His office says he had previously scheduled meetings off-site.
A spokesman said the group has not requested a meeting with the governor but that everyone has a right to protest in this public space.