By Jackson Blaze Staff
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Scottsboro Mayor Robin Shelton has released the following statement in regards to a protest planned in Scottsboro on Saturday, June 6.
“We have all witnessed so many heartbreaking things in recent days. Our country is facing a time of uncertainty and apprehension. While much of the news focuses on the events in big cities across the nation, I want the citizens of Scottsboro to know that we have a role to play in change as well.
Abraham Lincoln stated, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Matthew 12:25 reads, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”
I believe we must come together as a community. I believe we were all created equal and we have to start treating others as our equal. The first step towards true change has to start with the individual. It begins in our heart and carries over in our actions. We should be the type of friend that when others cry out, we listen. Support each other. Ask questions when we have concerns. Protest peacefully. Scottsboro is our home and we can’t destroy it with riots, destruction, and violence.
However, based on all of the social media discussions surrounding this protest, and in the interest of the safety of the individuals in our community, we are recommending that retail businesses in downtown Scottsboro close at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2020.
This is only a recommendation; we know that small businesses have been hurt by the effects of COVID-19, but we want to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on Saturday.
We also want to let you know that the Scottsboro Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will be present downtown and will monitoring any activity. They will be there to ensure that the businesses located in downtown are protected as well.
The City of Scottsboro and I want you to know that we are here to protect you. We are trying to be as proactive as possible to prevent any damage coming to any individuals or businesses on the square on Saturday. Thank you so much for your patience during this time.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.