BEDFORD – In a stark display of political division, a small group of Lawrence County Democrats held a peaceful protest at the Bedford Courthouse Square on Saturday, May 3rd, after saying they face hostility from some members of the overwhelmingly Republican community.
Organized by the Lawrence County Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Lawrence County Democratic Party of Indiana, the protest highlighted the group’s commitment to protecting various rights and freedoms, including constitutional rights, local farmers, veterans’ programs, food safety, and environmental protection.
“The protest on Saturday was very encouraging and positive,” said. “And it was received positively by the community,” said Rowena Cross-Njafe, a volunteer for the party.
According to organizers, in an overwhelmingly Republican Lawrence County, a small group of Democrats endure intimidation, insults, profanity, and rude gestures while standing up for the very rights and freedoms that benefit their tormentors.
“We are fighting to protect everything from our Constitution and rule of law to protecting local farmers, veterans, IEP & Head Start, food safety, clean water, our national forests, libraries, freedom of religion etc., and even freedom of the press,” said Jessie Starr, a volunteer for the party.
Adding a community outreach component to their protest, the Democrats also held a food drive as part of their “500 Can Challenge” to benefit the LIFE Food Pantry.
“We invited the community to witness firsthand what it takes to be a peaceful drop of blue in a sea of angry red,” Cross-Najafi said.
The protest, from Noon to 2:00 p.m. on 16th Street, marked the group’s second peaceful demonstration at the courthouse square.
For more information about the Lawrence County Democratic Party, their protests, or their mission, individuals can contact Rowena Cross-Najafi at 812-606-1758.
