The Movement for Justice in Downtown Sykesville

Last Updated 2/6/2025 • Posted in Sykesville Black Heritage

The Movement for Justice in Downtown Sykesville

On a picturesque Tuesday afternoon in June 2020, under a bright sun, a movement quietly took shape in Downtown Sykesville following the tragic death of George Floyd. His passing in Minneapolis sparked a national reckoning on racial justice, with communities across the country—including right here in Carroll County—coming together to stand in solidarity for change.

As the summer of 2020 unfolded, peaceful protests emerged throughout the United States, including along Main Street sidewalks in Downtown Sykesville and Westminster. Local residents, driven by a shared sense of purpose, gathered to make their voices heard.

A Grassroots Movement Takes Shape

The first demonstration in Downtown Sykesville took place on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, organized swiftly through online forums as people realized they were not alone in their grief and desire for change. With little time for planning, no one knew what to expect—whether a few individuals would stand together or if a larger group would form. By that afternoon, between 30 to 50 people arrived, standing side by side in unity.

Seeing the strong community support, organizers decided to continue. Susan Casey led the efforts in Downtown Sykesville, while Tarin Mclean and her aunt, Joshlyn Copes, initiated similar demonstrations in Westminster. A clipboard circulated among participants, gathering contact information to keep those interested informed about future gatherings. The very next day, the momentum grew, drawing over 100 people, including an emcee from Western Howard County, to amplify the movement.

Community Response & Challenges

At the time, Carroll County was 88.3% white and 3.54% Black (2020 Census), and discussions of race and equity had not always been at the forefront. Understandably, the demonstrations sparked a range of reactions. Before the first event, local police received concerns from residents about potential unrest, though those fears proved unfounded as the gatherings remained entirely peaceful.

As the movement continued, there were pockets of opposition, including letters to the editor critiquing the protests, the removal of Black Lives Matter signs, and, in isolated cases, hostile responses from a small number of individuals. However, these challenges did not deter the demonstrators.

A Lasting Impact

Despite the summer heat and occasional resistance, the protests persisted for weeks, then months, becoming a daily presence. Westminster hosted a full-scale march, and even traditionally more conservative areas like Manchester and Taneytown saw residents take part in demonstrations.

The gatherings welcomed people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, standing together with signs bearing raised fists and messages like "Silence = Violence." More than just a protest, the movement opened conversations and fostered connections, allowing neighbors to find common ground on an issue that had previously felt isolating to many.

What began as a single afternoon of action grew into a sustained movement, proving that even in small towns, voices raised together can create powerful change.