The scene at the University Avenue Wendy’s on Saturday night: Kendrick Lamar lyrics carry through thick smoke, police strap on riot gear, and the familiar chant of “No Justice, No Peace” echoes from the shutdown I-75/85 Southbound connector to the front perimeter of the restaurant. It’s almost 24 hours after white Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe shot and killed 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks in that parking lot of the restaurant.
Protesters stand on top of car hoods, raising their fists and watching the restaurant burn. A makeshift memorial with black balloons and a painting of Brooks will hang there the next morning.
Activist Jonathan Lykes, a local activist, said he helps direct the group, Liberation House – which advocates for black, indigenous, queer and trans people, and organizes equity training sessions for businesses nationwide. He also works with the Atlanta chapter of the Black Youth Project 100.
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