Madison residents organize cookout, celebrate life during city’s seventh day of protests

MADISON, Wis. — Madison’s seventh day of protests over the death of George Floyd has been celebratory and peaceful.

As of 11 p.m., the police presence has been limited, much like with Thursday. Protesters have gathered outside Capitol Square once again, but no marching throughout the Isthmus has taken place at this time.

Prior to meeting at the Capitol, protesters organized an afternoon barbecue at James Madison Park.

Madison police said a portion of Gorham Street was closed Friday after a number of people gathered at the park to attend the cookout.

Organizers said the event was a “celebration of life,” as Friday would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday. Taylor was fatally shot by police inside her Louisville, Kentucky home back in March.

Here’s a look at the continued evening protest at the steps of the Capitol on the state street side. Roughly 200ish people and crowd growing. Leaders say they want to keep this peaceful. #News3Now @WISCTV_News3 pic.twitter.com/ui0Cr8aa6N

— Adam Duxter (@News3Adam) June 6, 2020

“We appreciate the peaceful demonstrations commemorating Breonna’s birthday,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Nothing can make up for a lost life, but we want the Black community to know that we are with you as you mourn Breonna’s life while honoring the day of her birth. We grieve with you and stand united against violence ravaging our beloved community of Black Americans.”

Food and beverages were offered as part of the event, and some in attendance also registered to vote.

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