Protests in Rochester in response to viral racial videos – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – Rochester recorded the national stage last week, thanks to a viral video that was published online, shows how a woman uses a racist slur against a child.

The municipality's reaction continued on Monday when protests were attacked in which righteousness and accountability were requested.

On a day when Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara would have been, she opened the doors of her business, Griot Arts to comment and make signs.

“I think it's just a natural thing. The sign for me is also the same for me, art and protests, always and forever,” said Nfonoyim-Hara.

In the tiny bookstore and art gallery, a little more than a dozen people gathered to create these signs. It is an answer to an incident that many cannot believe in. A little boy called a racist slur of an adult woman who was recorded on video and shared with the world.

“I thought we were a good place in 2025. I'm here for 35 years here and it is as if we had just returned very quickly,” said Crystal Smith, co -organizer of the protest.

As soon as the signs were made, demonstrators traveled along the street and found a place outside of Rochester.

More people who had signs gathered and there were demands for justice and consequences.

“We demand that justice take place. We want the woman in question to be charged,” said Wale Elegbee, the President of the NAACP Rochester branch.

The crowd was supported by the local government and the state.

Senator Liz Boldon and the representatives Andy Smith, Kim Hicks and Tina emphasized the following explanation:

“We praise the gentleman, who recorded the encounter for getting up and protecting one of our most recent parishes, a five -year -old boy, before this targeted hatred. We condemn these hideous racism acts in the best possible way. This disgusting rhetoric has no place in our community, and we thankful that a Bym operator with the laughter prevents further eggs through the perpetrator.

“This type of taught hatred was heated up by the Trump government's own rhetoric and enables those with hatred in their hearts to shamelessly spread it. This has achieved real consequences for our friends, family members and neighbors. We all have to take the initiative to call hatred and bigotry wherever we see.”

Lisa Ross, a resident of Rochester, who also organized the protest of the town hall, read a statement by the Attorney General Minnesota, Keith Ellison:

“I'm sorry that I couldn't be with you today, but I know that I have been in your mind. What has happened in the now viral video. It is just as terrible that the naked racism exhibited in the video is now taking on a fundraiser. It is a memory that we have to build a lot of work to build the multi-racial society. We know that it is possible.

Unfortunately, they have already seen incidents, but they had the courage to watch them directly instead of turning an eye. They had the courage to use their first change rights to come together and to say that there is enough and the courage is contagious. Your today's voices will bring other voices to this important struggle.

I can't be with you today, but I'm always with you at work to provide a community free of hatred. It is encouraging to see how the strong, resilient, beautiful community of Rochester comes together to say no to hate and hate the unit. Yes to a city in which everyone belongs. Know that I am standing with you to confirm that hate speeches have no place in your city or in our state or somewhere in America. And to confirm that Rochester and all of Minnesota are a place where everyone is safe and welcome. “

Many in the crowd say that they felt love and support.

Jacques Partridge has been based for 11 years.

“I feel good that the community came together to tackle this problem,” he said.

“My eyes really opened,” said Aden Yussuf, a two -year -old resident. “I didn't believe that it would be a lot of people, but when you see all these people, we really showed that we are a community.”

Further actions of the community are planned for this week because the Rochester industry organizes a Rathau event to discuss this incident and others who took place last year.