According to the news reports, the opening rally attracted about 600 people. However, the actual number of marchers who left Charleston may be less than that from what I've seen.
Some of the black city council members were caught off guard by the mayor's plans. They did not know about the march until he made a formal annoucement. Many people are concerned about his motives for putting together a march. I read in the paper this morning that Mayor Riley is wearing a bullet- proof vest because he has had a specific death threat made against him.
I think the march from Charleston to Columbia would have been a great addition to the rally held in Columbia on Martin Luther King, Jr. day. That was when 46,000 people gathered at the statehouse to protest the flying of the confederate battle flag.
I wish I was able to take part in it along the way. I hope it is a success.
|