Pleasant Hill Church, Roswell join for rally

The city of Roswell and Pleasant Hill Church will hold a peaceful solidarity rally for racial equity and justice at 2 p.m. today at Roswell City Hall.

Pleasant Hill is the oldest black church in Roswell and was founded by worshippers who were enslaved to some of the city’s first residents in 1847.

It’s the second consecutive Saturday protest rally at City Hall to draw Pleasant Hill Pastor Sabin Strickland and Roswell police Chief James Conroy.

During the June 13 rally, the chief said his department is committed to better training of Roswell police officers and improved relationships with residents of color. That event was held by Eagles Nest Church Pastor Lee Jenkins and drew hundreds of people. Roswell was not a partner in putting on that event, city spokesperson Julie Brechbill said.

Strickland said the rallies are good first steps.

Church members of all ages in Strickland’s congregation are troubled by the death of George Floyd in Minnesota in May and Rayshard Brooks on June 12, he said. Both men died in altercations with police officers.

“There is a flood of emotion,” Strickland said. “They say, ‘I’m hurt, I’m angry, I’m astounded that this continues on even in the midst of what we are dealing with.’ This is something we really want to be able to address with the city. It’s not only a concern within my church and the black community. It has transcended and entered all communities.”

Roswell City Hall is at 38 Hill St.