DECATUR, Alabama — Black Lives Matter Grassroots joined Standing in Power and the Decatur community in demanding justice for Steve Perkins on Saturday. The Black Lives Matter movement began back during the George Floyd protest and here in North Alabama, the organization is still on the quest for justice.
Community organizations gathered from near and far to Decatur ahead of Saturday's annual Christmas parade. Standing in Power Co-Founder Aneesah Saafiyah explained that this is not necessarily a very jolly season for some members of the Decatur community. "They expect for us to just let this die down because it's wintertime, it's Christmastime," she said. "We're not making a joyful noise."
Porche Miller with Black Lives Matter Grassroots Atlanta added, "There should be no reason why this family should have to have a float in honor of Steve Perkins."
It's been two months since Steve Perkins was shot and killed by Decatur Police, and Black Lives Matter Grassroots National Field Coordinator Bob Akili said they are demanding three simple things: "Transparency, and justice, and accountability. Mr. Mayor [Tab Bowling], you know , it's not like this is some dark secret. You know it was wrong, and you know that those officers need to be held accountable."
Black Lives Matter Grassroots Rapid Response Coordinator Andrew Joseph knows exactly what the Perkins family is going through because he's had firsthand experience. "My 14 year old son was killed while in custody of Hillsboro County Sheriff's Department down in Tampa, Florida," Joseph said. There is no feeling in the world and I have to stand there and talk to that segment while I'm talking to that crowd with no answers."
At Monday night's Decatur City Council meeting, Bowling is expected to announce whether the officers involved in Perkins' shooting will face discipline or possible termination.
"We know that he has to make a decision on Monday, and Mayor, I hope you make the right decision and understand that if you don't make the right decision, there will be consequences," said Eric Hall, Black Lives Matter Birmingham Chapter co- founder and representative.