Local Black Clergy braces for reactions to court decision in Rittenhouse, McMichael trials

Judge's gavel Flickr/ wp paarz

In a statement regarding the upcoming verdicts of the two cases, Reverend Robert Collier said, "I'm not fearful that justice won't be served, but I want to be prepared just in case." 

Keeping Watch

Reverend Robert Collier has been spending more time in front of the television lately than usual to keep track of the news and updates on the cases.

He has been paying close attention to the trials of Kyle Rittenhouse, who is accused of shooting and killing two people during protests in Wisconsin, and Travis McMichael, who is accused of shooting and killing jogger Ahmad Arbery in Georgia.

Both trials have captured the nation's attention, and people across the country are waiting for the outcome of each case.

Although Collier, the president of the organization Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, is not concerned that justice will not be served, he says he wants to be prepared just in case. He wants to be ready for the court decisions.

The trial of Travis McMichael is taking place simultaneously as some clergy members are watching it on their computers or television screens. 

Six Black clergy members from the Philadelphia area made time and traveled to Georgia to participate in the conference. They took part in a rally on Thursday supporting Ahmad Arbery, who was killed in his home.

Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of POWER Interfaith, said, "We have been here on the grounds of the courthouse today. Listening to speakers, offering prayer," 

He added that one member of his group could gain entry into the overflow room for Thursday's court proceedings because of his connections. 

They are among hundreds of black clergy members who traveled from all over the country to testify in the case after an attorney for McMichael expressed opposition to other high-profile Black clergy members appearing in the courtroom.

Royster said, "Part of the reason we were here was one of the defense attorneys called out both Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson for being present with the family (of Arbery) and really critiqued the presence of Black clergy."

The Action

Collier expressed they are not going there to be disruptive but supportive. Members of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity are thinking of what action to take once the verdicts cause a strong reaction in the community.

He further said they are ready and willing to do what is proper to do to be sure the Philadelphia people would not give in to an uproar.

Philadelphia is ready. Police said to Action News there are no foreseen protests or leading threats of violence at present. However, the department is prepared should the situation happen.

The department released a statement that read, "The PPD is prepared to activate additional personnel throughout the city in the coming days if needed. The safety and well-being of Philadelphians are our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation."

Clergy members will also continue to monitor the situation. They'll be watching and praying for peace.

Members of the clergy are continuously monitoring the situation. They are watching and consistently praying for peace.
Collier said, "We have things in place. It's just a matter of whether or not we have to utilize it."

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