Councilwoman Drake responds to protest outside home
The NAACP organized a protest Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m., outside the home of Republican Amy Drake.
The handful of protesters said this is over Drake's opposition to projects this group feels are important for the health and wellness of the county.
The local head of the NAACP defended what Drake called "domestic terrorism" by targeting a politician's home with the family inside.
“We've gone to the mayor’s house, we've gone to Tim Scott's house, and councilwoman. Drake is no exception if there are issues, the community needs to be aware of it doesn't matter what time of day those issues are addressed. that in AACP are not here to make people uncomfortable. We're here to do what we've been charged to do and in disparities and racial discrimination,” said Trina Robinson, South Bend NAACP President.
Drake did not make an appearance but did issue a statement before the protest. It said in part:
There is no such thing as a peaceful protest in front of a person's home. Protests in front of homes are designed to intimidate and frighten. These people know I have children, and they know that my husband and I will feel threatened for our children's safety.
One protestor says more needs to be done financially for the safety of the community.
“We have to know that if they don't agree with what is being done and how that money is being spent, they have the opportunity to engage in the process and to make this a better community. And help inform and direct how that money is spent, not sit on it Not say we're not ready to spend it because we have questions. It is their job to find the answers to these questions so we can take this money to save lives and to make our families safer,” said Joanne Cogdell.
The protest ended without incident.
Councilwoman Drake did reach out to WSBT 22 this afternoon, hours after the protest.
Drake told us the NAACP never reached out to her before today asking to meet 1-on-1 and discuss the issues.
She stands behind her original statement that today’s protest was done to be intimidating and said she won’t be scared into changing her beliefs.
