Protesters gather outside of Market of Choice amid BLM mask controversy

The protest took place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On twitter.

We are following up about a series of walkouts that began last week from a popular grocery store.

A demonstration is still underway outside of the market of choice in south eugene.

Kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy is live with the latest.

Kennedy?

Matt- protesters have been outside this market of choice since eleven o clock this morning... with signs raised in support of the black lives matter movement.

Both employees and allies are here expressing how they feel about being told they cannot wear masks that read "black lives matter" while at work.

Multiple employees told me the communication with corporate has been confusing... on june 12th the company c-e-o issued a statement expressing "market of choice" support and stance with the black community and belief that black lives matter.

Employees say if that's the case, they should be able to wear a mask saying that.

When i reached out to market of choice's corporate office, they said not allowing an employee to wear a face mask reading "black lives matter", is simply a dress code issue and no one has been terminated for wearing one.

"they said that black lives matter is an uncomfortable and controversial subject right now.

My response to that is has always been controversial.

Its always been uncomfortable for the past 400 years.

The time for us to be radical, the time for us to get uncomfortable is right now?

Market of choice also said they are making several changes... including... expanding their recruiting and outreach, increasing representation to their equity and inclusion committee... and they have met with almost*all thirteen hundred team members to discuss how they can best support black, indigenous and people of color communities.

Now, there are*both sides to this issue and i did speak to shoppers leaving the store to get their thoughts.

Not one person i spoke to disagrees with what the protesters are fighting for.

They will be here until 9pm tonight.

Live in eugene kennedy dendy kezi 9 news.

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