MUSKEGON, MI - Organizers of a local Black Lives Matter group, founded in the midst of the national protest movement against racism and police brutality, say theyre working to strengthen Muskegon-area Black communities and end institutional racism.

It formed in order to maintain the momentum from local protests held in May and June, said Ationza Smith, 23, co-founder of the group and its chair.

We dont want to let the fire die down, Smith said. We live in a society, or a generation, where people follow trends. We dont want to be the next trend. We want this to be a lifestyle; we want this to be something that is continuous.

Smith and other group organizers came together after Muskegons peaceful rally outside the county courthouse on May 31. Smith found herself wishing there were more urgency to the event, and ended up taking the megaphone and speaking extemporaneously.

The positive reaction from other members of the crowd to her spontaneous speech encouraged her and co-founder Bri McPherson to try and create a structured group to focus on working with (local) Black communities and dismantling structures that end or harm Black lives, she said.

There are now five board members: Smith, McPherson, Jay Kilgo, Jenay Smith, and Dana Knight, an organizer with the Grand Rapids chapter of Black Lives Matter.

Smith said it felt important for Muskegon to have its own organization, rather than merging into the Grand Rapids chapter, to address specific local issues, like poverty and overpolicing.

We think that nobody cares for the city as it should be cared for, she said. Change starts within a community. Its hard to get the community to come out and volunteer if youre not doing anything for the community.

Their first event was a rally at Heritage Landing on July 4, to to get awareness that were not really free, were fighting for our independence, Smith said.

And their work will continue with a community clean-up event on Saturday, July 25, in Muskegon Heights.

Protesting brings awareness, but cleaning and being active in your community brings change, Smith said.

Volunteers plan to mow lawns for elderly people who struggle to care for their own yards, and pick up trash, Smith said.

But that event has hit a snag, because they did not file permits required within the city to host a cleanup event.

In an email shared with MLive, Muskegon Heights Police Chief Joseph Thomas, Jr., told the group that they could be issued a citation if they proceed with the event.

Thomas told MLive that the city ordinance says groups must receive city permits before gathering on public property, and that their plan to use Muskegon Heights High School as a meeting point required permission from the school system as well.

He declined to say whether he would issue a citation if the event took place, saying he cannot predict the future.

In order to have any type of event where youre going to be on public propertyor any time youre going to be working in the city of Muskegon Heights, we need to know who you are and what youre going to do, he said. Thats why we make rules and regulations.

Smith said the group plans to continue with the event, and will pay off a citation if needed.

We feel like cleaning up our community is worth getting a citation over, Smith said. Were not rallying or anything. Were just trying to clean up.

Regardless of what happens on Saturday, Smith said, the group continues to plan for future events.

The board holds weekly meetings - mostly on Zoom, and sometimes outdoors, distanced and wearing masks. They plan to work towards holding elected officials accountable, raising awareness, and promoting education, in part by advocating for after-school programs and a youth center.

The ultimate goal is to put the needs of the community first, Smith said, while maintaining consistency as an organization.

Theres so many things that need to be fixed that are unique to Muskegon, Smith said. We needed something thats really focused on the improvement and advancement of the community in Muskegon.

Read more on MLive:

This is our time: Muskegon Black Lives Matter chapter hosts rally for equality

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Excerpt from:

New Black Lives Matter Muskegon group aims to keep the fire going - mlive.com