PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, football players from Portage Northern and Portage Central high schools united for a peaceful protest over the recent killing of George Floyd and other instances of police brutality.
MLive reports that over 30 players, coaches and school staff, along with Portage police officers, all joined together at Celery Flats park and marched toward Portage City Hall.
Upon arrival at 11 a.m., the group took a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, which was meant to signify how long Floyd was pinned by his neck.
“The march was a call for the need for change, reform, and unity,” officials said in a statement. “The two high school teams that have been recently recognized as the ‘greatest rivals in the State of Michigan’ put aside their differences and joined together in this global call for social justice.”
Coaches from both schools spoke to the students during the protest, as well as students of both schools and assistant coaches. Kalamazoo Sheriff Richard Fuller was also at City Hall to speak to the student protesters.
Officials add that this event is a great way for students to come together for a common cause, and that change starts with youth.
