Protests in Cincinnati: "I am Sam DuBose!"
August 3, 2015 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us
On July 19, Ray Tensing, a University of Cincinnati cop, stopped Samuel DuBose for "driving while Black"—pulling him over for not having a front license plate. Within minutes, Tensing shot DuBose in the head, killing him in cold blood.
Outrage and protests in Cincinnati have been mounting in response. A week after DuBose was killed, on Sunday, July 26, family, friends and Black Lives Matter protesters gathered on the University of Cincinnati campus to march to the scene where Dubose died. Then on July 31, Friday night, hundreds of people came together to demand justice for Sam DuBose. Only hours before this protest, Tensing—after spending just one night in jail—had posted bond, was released to walk free while awaiting trial for murder.
This night of protest began with a candlelight vigil organized by Sam DuBose's family. DuBose's mother Audrey DuBose said, "I don't know half of these people, but they're standing for justice." Speaking to the outpouring of support she said, "I feel like it's going to get bigger and greater."
After this, hundreds joined a rally and march which Black Lives Matter had called for after Tensing was charged with the murder of Sam DuBose. Demonstrators gathered on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse and chanted in unison, "I am Sam Dubose!" Then people took off on a very spirited march through the streets to Fountain Square.
Six people were arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. One of those arrested was Kimberly Thomas, who had spoken at Sam DuBose's funeral and identified herself as one of Sam's best friends. Police claim she tried to help someone who was being arrested, so they threw her to the ground, subdued her and then arrested her. Damon Lynch IV, the son of a prominent reverend, was also arrested, accused of "refusing to leave an intersection and balling his fists when an officer tried to arrest him."
The crowd of between 250-300 people made it clear that the only justice for Sam DuBose was for Tensing to be convicted of murder and sent to prison. One reporter who was covering the protest and tweeting throughout the night tweeted:
"We must love & protect one another. We have nothing to lose but our chains. We must fight for our freedom," the crowd says.
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