Black Lives Matter SPI held their fourth annual “Ride for our Lives” Solidarity Procession on Saturday, May 27. The first procession was held in 2020, shortly after the death of George Floyd, and has become an annual affair. Dozens of cars decorated with slogans and colorful art gathered at noon across from the BOS Center on Eighth and Adams. They then traveled in a loop around the near east side of the city, honking horns and waving at bystanders in the early afternoon sunshine.
“We drive for those that have been taken from us at the hands of police,” said BLM SPI co-founder and president Sunshine Clemons, “but we also drive for those who are here that we want to honor. We want to say that your life matters, and we don’t want to wait until something tragic happens to celebrate that.”
At a presentation before the parade kicked off, three local high school students were recognized for having won an essay contest on the theme of what it means to be young, gifted and Black. They were each awarded $1,000 scholarships, with half of the money coming from BLM SPI and the other half from the city of Springfield.
2023 Springfield High graduate Bryson Thomas was one of the scholarship recipients. In addition to excelling academically, Thomas leaves Springfield High School after a football career impressive enough to earn a full scholarship to Quincy University. The speedy Senator will play running back this fall. Taking in the sunshine with his mother and grandparents, Thomas became wistful about leaving home. “I know I’ve got to hit it hard when I get to Quincy in August,” he said. “I’m going to miss Springfield, but I’m excited about the next chapter of my life.”
Clarrisa Harrington, a 2023 Southeast High graduate, also won a scholarship. She will be attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall, majoring in community health.
Jaden Saunders of Chatham High School was the third recipient, but was unable to attend the event because he was participating in the IHSA 3A Boys State Track and Field Championships.
Clemons explained that the idea of parading in cars rather than marching arose out of social distancing requirements during the early days of the COVID pandemic. BLM SPI has continued the tradition every year since, and Springfield Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory noted that even though the ranks were smaller on Saturday, “that energy never left.” Ward 6 Ald. Jennifer Notariano was also in attendance.
Don Howard is an intern at Illinois Times while completing his master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting at University of Illinois Springfield. He can be reached at [email protected] or 336-455-6966.
