On June 2, Terry Willis ventured out in silent protest to walk to Minnesota from Alabama in honor of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbery, and other victims of police violence and racial injustice.
On Sunday, July 12, he will complete his 1000-mile walk and make brief remarks at 38th Street and Chicago Ave., the site of the George Floyd memorial. A meet and greet for the public takes place Saturday, July 11 from 3:30-5 pm at Clientele Barber Shop, 707 42nd Ave., N. Minneapolis.
Willis, a 35-year-old Black man, father, and Alabama business owner, heeded the call to action after being overwhelmed by the recent loss of Black life at the hands of police.
“It made me feel a plethora of mixed emotions: angry, frustrated, confused, sad. This could’ve been me, my family or friends. I knew I had to do something,” Willis said, as he recalled his life’s experiences.
Willis began his journey at the Fade Factory Barbershop located at 1219 Jordan Lane NW Unit H, on June 2, and will end in Minneapolis at the exact location where George Floyd was killed under the knee of a police officer on May 25.
Supporters have tracked Willis along his route by following the Facebook live feed from the 1KMILEMARCH page as well as on Instagram. People are encouraged to join Willis on the final seven-mile stretch of his 1,000-mile march by meeting in the IKEA parking lot near the Mall of America, 8000 IKEA Way, Bloomington July 12 by 10 am.
When questioned about the goals of his protest, Willis acknowledged that it’s not about Black or White. It’s about humanity. “I’m marching for change, justice, and equality because I’ve been there before. I’d like to do my part by joining the fight for my brothers and sisters across this country, starting with George Floyd.”
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