Here is why 300 black men in suits marched downtown

Credit: Andy Rowe

Credit: Andy Rowe

More than 300 black men in dress clothes marched through the streets of downtown and the Oregon District on Sunday, June 14, as part of the Suits in Solidarity, an event organized by Brandon White, the owner of White House Event Center, 101 E. Second St., Dayton.

    

“I wanted to create a black male wellness project that organizes a hundred black men in the city of Dayton,” White said.

It was a bigger event than anticipated, and White hopes it becomes an annual tradition.

Credit: Kennya Ade of Focused Photography

Credit: Kennya Ade of Focused Photography

The march, which included guest speakers, a moment of silence and a closing prayer, served as a recharge for attendees who have experienced increased trauma due to the nation’s current events.

    

A wave of Black Lives Matter-inspired protests have been held here and around the world since George Floyd, a black man, was killed by police in Minneapolis on May 25.

Four former police officers have been charged in Floyd’s death, which was captured on a cell phone video seen by millions.

Credit: Kennya Ade of Focused Photography

Credit: Kennya Ade of Focused Photography

Suits in Solidarity was planned in just six days.

“This was my first time doing something of this nature,” White said. “My takeaway is that I need to become more involved in the city of Dayton. (I) must create more platforms for myself and other individuals to be heard.”

He said more events are in the works.

“Next plan is to create a brunch event for the black men in Dayton so that we can start to work on voter registration and mentoring,” White said.

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