Wednesday's youth-led peaceful protest brought together over 10,000 people in San Francisco’s Mission District. The murder of George Floyd by Police has galvanized the world against racism and that Black Lives Matter. Protests have taken place in every state in the US and cities across the world.

Given aggressive police confrontations, destructive agitators, and a global pandemic I didn’t know what to expect. I had to attend because I feel like we all have to show up right now. That’s going to be different things for different people. Posting on social media is a positive first step but there’s so much to be done. Even with all of the attention right now, the police officers that broke into the wrong home and killed Breonna Taylor have still not been arrested. This Wednesday I had to be present: on the streets, showing solidarity, and to see how people would be acting in these crazy times.

I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

The energy, diversity and feeling were overwhelmingly positive. In the midst of a global pandemic people came to speak truth to power and let their voices be heard that this country must change. It was amazing to be a part of that movement.

By the time I got there much of the protest centered around the Mission Police Station at Valencia and 17th Street. The energy was thick but being in crowds really made me anxious. I walked through a pretty packed group up 17th Street from Mission Street to the police station, hung out for a hot second, and then had to exit because of all the people. God bless everyone for showing up and wearing masks. I’d say 9.5 out of 10 people were fully masked up. And you best believe as a 40+ Dad I was suited and booted to the max! A beanie covered my head, never took off my N95 mask and bandana, Wrap around sunglasses, wind jacket zipped up, gloves, running pants, full socks, running shoes, and a backpack with water and my snowboard helmet and googles in case shit really hit the fan!

We’ve been sheltering in place since March 13th and very strict about our social distancing. In spite of the peaceful crowd all wearing masks, being in the middle of crowds of thousands was just too much for me. I walked a few blocks away from the police station to Valencia and 19th Street where there was more space.

SAN FRANCISCO HAS ALWAYS MIXED UNBRIDLED OPTIMISM AND A CHANGE-THE-WORLD SPIRIT.

The energy on the streets reminded me why I fell in love with this city over twenty years ago. San Francisco has always mixed unbridled optimism and a change-the-world spirit. Walking the sunny Mission streets smelling expertly rolled blunts and freshly opened beers (kombucha?) brought forth a stream of memories of decades spent in this beautiful city. In typical SF fashion there was so much kindness on display. Amongst the chants of “No Justice No Peace, No Racist Police” people came prepared with water to give away and I saw so many people walking through the crowds offering hand sanitizer as well.

It wouldn’t be a real SF event without running into Micah Brynes and I caught a glimpse of Tracy Piper’s artwork decorating a boarded up shop on 18th Street. On my way out I marched with the protest down 16th Street from the Mission towards Potrero Hill. I stayed on the side of the sidewalk for several blocks always paying attention and doing my part to be involved while keeping “Dad approved” distance.

I feel so fortunate to have experienced that energy and been on the streets which such positive people in this moment of crisis. While I long for a real leader to guide this country, it gives me hope to march with youth who demand a just future.