Location:  Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215

Sidebar: My plan was to take pictures of the graffiti, street art, and murals in the Short North area. When parking my car, I saw several people holding “Black Lives Matters” signs. I stopped and asked if there was a scheduled protest and if so, where is it? They said Goodale Park.

I walked about a mile to Goodale Park to join a group of people marching to the Statehouse.

Sidebar: I didn’t know what to expect. Previously, I saw images of people in the act of vandalism, heard rumors of protest attendees testing positive for COVID-19, etc. I saw too many people peacefully protesting to count.

I decided to take a break from the protest to talk to a few artists painting murals on the West side of High Street. Click on the following link to see the full article: Downtown Columbus Property Damage turned to Art: Huntington Center.

Sidebar: While talking to the artists, I saw a large group coming up West Broad Street to join the protest.

They told me about more murals at the Ohio Theatre. When I crossed the street, I heard a loud chant, “Black Lives Matter…. Black Lives Matter. Etc.”

Coming toward me from the South (walking down one block off High street (at State and High) was countless protesters.

When I started walking down State Street, I saw even more protesters. 

When the young woman ended her speech, the group headed to the statehouse.

Sidebar: Why did I include so many pictures? I wanted to show that there were a lot of people peacefully protesting in downtown Columbus, Ohio today. Individuals and large groups met at the Ohio Statehouse. They came from all directions. The group was peaceful, respectful of the police and State Highway Patrol.

My take:  

There were countless people who honked their car horns as they drove by, and some putting their fists out the window as a show of support. It was hot (about 88 degrees).

People of all races, ages, etc., were protesting TOGETHER! Enough said.

Tired of seeing blog posts on protests? Change public policy and procedures so protests are no longer necessary.