Local church holds “Black Lives Matter” march

A new “Black Lives Matter” sign is now up at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Idaho Falls.

On Sunday, the church replaced an old banner and held a march to remind the community of an important message.

Single-digit temperatures didn’t stop marchers from walking through Idaho Falls in support of the “Black Lives Matter” campaign.

The march started at the Unitarian Universalist Church, went along the greenbelt, across Broadway Bridge and back again.

“The march matters because we need people to recognize that this is an issue that matters here and that the support of it does exist here,” said Kristi Brower, president of the Idaho Falls Pride organization.

Those who walked said it was important for them and they felt it was a worthy cause to brave the cold for.

“It really meant a lot,” Brower said. “I have followed the “Black Lives Matter” movement from the very beginning and to finally have a way to express support for that locally, in person, really is very important. It meant a lot to me.”

“I thought it was cold but I thought we need to go,” said Victoria McDonald. “It doesn’t matter, you just keep doing what you need to do. It was nice to see the people that did show up because it was quite difficult.”

“I think it’s an important message for them and it reminds everyone else they are here and these problems exist in our community as well,” said Joe Averill, who helped carry the banner during the march.

When the group arrived back at the church, the new banner was hung up in front of it. It replaces the original “Black Lives” banner which was hung up in February. It was vandalized several times and then stolen in October. The church has been working ever since to get a new banner hanging back where it belongs.

The new banner cost $150. It was paid for by donations from community and congregation members.

The church is located at 555 E Street.