TOP 10: Black Lives Matter Movement embraced locally

Like most areas of the country, protests against racism and police brutality were carried out in Medina County during the early summer. These events also were in support of the national Black Lives Matter movement and came shortly after Minneapolis resident George Floyd was killed during an arrest May 25. A June 7 vigil for Floyd at Medina Square attracted hundreds and included speeches from longtime community advocate Michelle Powell along with her two children, Malik and Malicia Tuck. That followed days of other protests and rallies at the square as well as a cancelation of a previously planned vigil due to what organizers considered threats. Medina police later complimented the events for remaining peaceful. On June 6, gospel music and cheers were part of a march around Medina that also attracted hundreds. That event was organized by the Rev. Arthur Ruffin of Medina's Second Baptist Church. Multiple protests largely made up of current and former Wadsworth High School students sprang up in the downtown Wadsworth area with some involved citing instances of racism they'd experienced among peers. The summer also saw some strong community conversations in Medina County centered on a need to have mutual respect for members of law enforcement and a subsequent Back the Blue rally also was attended by hundreds.