Protests and prayers for Steve Perkins

Oct. 10—A prayer service local pastors planned in hopes of uniting the community created dissent among protesters — many of who began showing up at City Hall the day after a Decatur police officer killed Steve Perkins on Sept. 29.

"We have been protesting. We have buried Steve. We have prayed with and for Steve's family. Why are they just now showing up," protester Danny Saafiyah said. "We feel like it is a slap in the face that we are out here every day and we have not heard from any of these people until now."

Hundreds of people showed up for Sunday's prayer service organized by Black and white spiritual leaders in the community. Behind the speakers, protesters held up a photograph of Perkins and posters declaring "Protect our sons, fathers, brothers, uncles," "Police in my town R murderers" and "It doesn't make sense."

Protesters drowned out the speakers with music, speeches, chants of "No justice, no peace," "I am Steve Perkins," "Release the tape," "Who's Steve? I'm Steve," and "Say his name. Steve Perkins," and a cry of "Where were all these Christian men yesterday."

Pastor Claudette Owens, of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, listened to the protesters and responded.

"If you would, say his name with me," Owens told those attending the prayer service and the protesters. "Steve Perkins. Steve Perkins. Steve Perkins. What I assure you is that Steve's life will not be in vain. His name will not stop right here."

As Owens spoke, the protesters quieted temporarily.

"I applaud you for protesting. I want you to keep on protesting. I want you to march long," said the 62-year-old Owens, a mother of three Black sons.

Protests have taken place at City Hall, which houses the Decatur Police Department, almost every day since Perkins was shot in his yard. Police and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which assumed control of the investigation, said Perkins was holding a gun that he brandished toward a police officer.

Security cameras at neighbors' homes caught parts of the encounter, which police said began when a tow truck driver attempted to repossess Perkins' vehicle. Police said Perkins threatened him with a gun. Police returned to Perkins' home with the tow truck driver. A statement from the family and a civil rights lawyer the family hired said Perkins was up to date on his payments.

Audio from the security cameras indicates police shot 18 rounds beginning almost immediately after they identified themselves. ALEA said Perkins had a flashlight mounted to a gun, and security video indicated Perkins pointed a flashlight toward police when they began yelling. According to the family, seven of the bullets struck Perkins.

During her time at the microphone, Owens encouraged everyone to register to vote in order to effect change and policy, implored individuals to stop blaming each other and addressed the protesters' concerns about the time it took the pastors and churches to speak out against the killing of 39-year-old Perkins.

"I'm not going to justify that we didn't get here in time. All I can do is start today and keep going tomorrow," Owens said. "God, forgive me. All I can ask is that you forgive me, Lord, for what I have not done. And, God, give me the opportunity to do what I can from this day."

In a statement announcing the prayer meeting, the pastors said, "Now is the time for our faith leaders to join together with every community member in solidarity, praying for our entire community (Black, White, Hispanic, no matter the race, we are neighbors) for peace and justice for Steve's family, for city leaders, for our police force and for our community."

"What they need to be praying for is the indictment and arrest of the police officers. We are praying every day for that. And demanding justice," Saafiyah said.

The service was organized after several pastors met with community and police leaders.

"I would suggest that you link up with the real community leaders that's been out here and that's going to be out here. And then we can talk about being one," protester Lawrence Souffrant said.

Along with Owens, speakers included Pastor Jerry Baker of St. Peter Missionary Baptist, Rev. Ted Amey of Church at Stone River, Pastor Harold Gilmore of Moulton Heights Church of Christ, Pastor Edward Owens of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Daylan Woodall of First Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Joe McKaig of Decatur Baptist Church, Pastor Regina Willingham of God's Love Covenant Church, Pastor Steve Bateman of First Bible Church, Pastor Justin McAlpin of Westmead Baptist Church, Pastor George Sawyer of Calvary Assembly, Pastor Robert Hatfield Jr. of Central Baptist Church and Pastor Darryl Little of Daystar Church.

Following the service, the protesters took to the microphone.

"We want God to be glorified in this situation because that is who Steve's family is. We are a family of prayer warriors. We believe that praise is part of our protest. There is a place for both. There is a place for prayer and there is a place for protest and we plan to be part of both," said Sheree Head, a relative of Perkins. "I'm not mad that they want to pray, but I pray that your prayers are justice for Steve Perkins."

A protester then began leading the crowd in "The Lord's Prayer."

The organizers of the protest will hold a community revival at City Hall on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The event, organizers said, is open to "friends, neighbors and all the local pastors."

— cgodbey@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2441. Twitter @DecaturLiving.