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Black activists question response of police at US Capitol

'Racism is a real thing,' Jai Allen-Ible says
Posted at 6:12 PM, Jan 07, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-07 18:12:16-05

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Activists in Palm Beach County said a day after the chaos in Washington, D.C., it is time to speak up about racial injustice.

The activists said they are tired but not surprised.

Three words, "I Can't Breathe," pushed them to fight for equity and equality in America.

Now, in 2021, the peaceful protesters have an old feeling -- frustration.

"Here we are seeing people breaking into the Capitol, where if it were a group of Black men walking up to the steps of the Capitol, we probably would [have] gotten shot down before we made it there," activist Matt Brown said.

Brown and Jai Allen-Ible host protests and markets showcasing Black-owned businesses.

"This actually adds some fire to it," Allen-Ible said.

She said the violent scene at the nation's Capitol makes it clear to her.

"Whether we want to see it or not, racism is a real thing," Allen-Ible said.

For Weidmayer Pierre, the storming of the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump takes him back to the summer protests.

"We had a standoff with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for 12 to 13 hours," said Pierre. "They were ready for us. They could have been ready for everyone, but they weren't. They just let them in."

"This is the reality of where we are at," Allen-Ible said.

But this is not where these activists want to stay.

"I have more passion in me today than I had yesterday because of what happened, so I'm going to keep going," Brown said.