On June 12, the organization Black Lives Matter called for a national day of strike and solidarity. Protests were organized all over the nation, and here on the East Olympic Peninsula, the solidarity event was an 8K loop walk through Port Hadlock and Chimacum. The walkers were met with ongoing aggressive opposition, as well as a few honks of encouragement.

I lost track of the number of drivers that threatened us with revving engines and profanities. This does not surprise me — I live in Port Hadlock, and this level of violence is what I have heard about for years from people of color who have fielded hatred when they walk to QFC, bring their kids to the neighborhood park, or drive home from work. 

What did surprise me was the low turnout that the event drew; after a string of protests in Port Townsend attended by hundreds, we were meeting these aggressions with only a few dozen walkers. 

We did block the road for short periods of time, and I realize that can be a contentious protest method. Slowing traffic felt necessary for our safety, as drivers were repeatedly accelerating and swerving as they approached groups of walkers. Every event in Port Townsend in recent weeks has utilized the same element of slowing and temporarily stopping traffic, with positive results.

Please, Port Townsend allies: Next time there is an event organized in the outlying communities, show up! The racism on the Peninsula is not seen as much in Port Townsend, but it is here. 

We need to stand together and send the message that the Olympic Peninsula is a community that will not tolerate it.

Anna Casey
PORT HADLOCK