BOBBIE LITTLE, FIRST-TIME ORGANIZER

June 18.  A “peaceful rally” to support police went off without a hitch in front of the Cornelius Police Station Wednesday afternoon. Organized by Cornelius resident Bobbie Little, the event drew upwards of 100 people, carrying supportive signs and many of them wearing face masks in this COVID-19 day and age.

Little, a real estate agent who lives in the Bordeaux neighborhood, said she wanted to show support for police who, as a group, are under fire for the actions of a few.

The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has focused attention on police departments large and small, with Black Lives Matter becoming a movement from Charlotte to New York and Los Angeles.

Indeed, a small group of counter-protesters attended, as well Police Chief Kevin Black, who lent a friendly presence, and newsman Ron Lee from WBTV.

Last week there was a Black Lives Matter protest at the police station and Town Hall with Cornelius officers leading a peaceful march on the sidewalk down Catawba Avenue.

The crowd Wednesday at the pro-police rally, which appeared to be white, middle-aged and older, carried signs that included “Make their job easier, don’t break the law,” “Blue blue we love you” and “Respect cops.”