The intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson streets in Madison has been transformed in the week since Corey Ruiz was shot and killed there by a Madison police officer. Protesters have closed down multiple blocks and turned the space into a memorial site with barricades, flowers, signs, and mutual aid stations.
While many surrounding businesses and neighbors support the goals of the protesters, others are complaining the encampment is a safety hazard and an impediment to traffic. And how long the memorial will remain is unclear. As far as the investigation into the shooting goes, MPD Chief John Patterson said in a statement Monday there’s no new updates to be shared.
🚧 Traffic Rerouted Until Further Notice: City officials said the intersection would be closed until further notice and detour signs are rerouting traffic onto East Washington Avenue. Bus routes have also been detoured. [City of Madison]
🪧 Alderman Asks For Patience: District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer, who represents the area, said he’s been meeting with both protest organizers and locals to provide municipal services and driveway access to residents. He said trash bins originally taken by protesters to build the barricades have been returned to residents and there will be a special trash collection on Thursday in the area. [City of Madison]
People have every right to protest and make their voices heard, and that right matters deeply to me. At the same time, we're working hard to be mindful of neighbors and those who work in the area and serve our community here.
Davy Mayer, District 6 Alder
🛑 Businesses Back Protesters, Even With Fewer Customers: Some stores in the area have closed, while others are staying open. Lazy Jane’s Cafe manager Alex Gaspar said he wants his restaurant to be a haven for protesters, especially during the heat wave. Meanwhile, Kool Things Vintage Clothing owner Joel O’Donnell said he is keeping his store closed so as not to be a distraction.
- An employee at Buraka said the African restaurant has definitely seen a slowdown in traffic. Spokesman Brendon Smith at the Willy Street Co-op said business at the store has “been a little quieter,” but the store remains open and continues to back peaceful community expression. [WKOW, WMTV, Cap Times]
A “Little Free Revolutionary Library” is one of the stations found at the Williamson Street memorial site. There are also tents for art making, food distribution, and mental health services. (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison)
✊ George Floyd Fist Donated From Minneapolis: A symbol from the 2020 Black Lives Matters protest in Minneapolis now appears at the center of the intersection. The statue of a raised fist that sat in Minneapolis’ George Floyd Square was donated by organizers who wanted to show solidarity between the two cities. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
🗳️ Encampment Becomes an Issue in Gov Race: On Monday, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the overwhelming favorite to become the Republican nominee in the governor’s race, said the barricades need to be removed “before this escalates.” [Facebook]
