My Sunday morning, May 31, 2020, started with the following headline in the Buffalo News:  “Downtown protest turns violent – State of Emergency Declared – Vandalism reported after peaceful start.” 

I am having a difficult time sorting through and verbalizing my many and varied emotions and thoughts in response to both the brutal, thoughtless death of George Floyd, and the nights of turmoil rocking many of our nation’s cities following his murder at the hands (knee) of a white Minneapolis police officer and his three “law enforcement” accomplices.  At this point, the best I can do is note my agreement with the sentiments expressed by Buffalo News commentator Rod Watson in his June 1, 2020 column, “Violence was wrong, but don’t feign ignorance.”

I drove to Niagara Square late Sunday afternoon.  I noticed a couple of police cars parked near the side of City Hall, a family of 5 or 6 chatting under the McKinley monument, and a handful of peaceful protestors.  What most struck me, however, was the assemblage of clouds that encircled Niagara Square.  So that’s the experience I’d like to share with you:

With All Due Respect,

Art Giacalone

P.S.  Here’s one photo reflecting activity from the night before.