Senior Tanner Drew drove by Atlantic Avenue the day after Sunday night’s protest at the Oceanfront on her way to work. Within two blocks, Drew saw four broken windows and barriers around the area from the aftermath. With the recent murder of George Floyd, along with the numerous black lives taken due to the racist systematic flaw in society, millions of people worldwide united and took forth to protest for the ongoing black lives matter movement.

With protestesting, looting and riots emerged causing a division in opinions. Racism is an issue that is prevalent throughout human existence. It’s sickening that this is still an issue today. It’s utterly disgusting how people judge and dehumanize others simply for the appearance of their skin rather than their character. The riots, looting, and other rebellious acts are expressed by the voices that are ignored by authority and are fueled by the built up anger and frustration. It’s understandable that the riots can lead to damaged property and hurt the economy; however, it can be replaced and fixed. Lives that were taken from this world and their families because of police brutality cannot. Yet, there are still people who are more concerned about broken windows than the senseless act of murder. Those who argue against the riots claim that it causes more damage than gain justice. On the contrary, June 4th, 2020 marks the date that the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, Virginia will be taken down after 130 years. Governor Ralph Northam announced the news on twitter with, “Yes, that statue has been there for a long time. But it was wrong then, and it is wrong now.”

Speaking of Governor Northam, amid the protest and riots throughout the Hampton Roads area, a curfew was implemented that remains in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until saturday, June 6. With that being said, normal procedures adapted to the call. Drew works at Coastal Edge which now closes at 7 p.m..

“After the second night of protest we began to put up boards,” said Drew. “The workers closing that night had to hide the cash and barricade the doors in an attempt to prevent people from breaking in.”

Throughout this ongoing movement, staying educated on the issues regarding these ‘rebellious acts’ along with informing the public what “Black Lives Matter” truly means is vital as it seems that racism is close to being normalized.