Sarasota ACLU Chalk Rally

On February 25, Christopher Young was targeted by police for writing chalk messages on a sidewalk in a public park in downtown Sarasota, Florida. The Sarasota American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) helped secure legal representation for Chris. Attorney Derek Byrd is taking the case pro bono. The ACLU went a step further and put together a rally in support of our freedom of speech, including chalk protesting. Thursday afternoon, a crowd of ACLU members, Occupy Sarasota supporters, and those generally offended by the arrest of a peaceful protester gathered at Five Points Park. Artist, Truman Adams, created a 3D chalk scroll displaying the text of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The energized crowd recited the First Amendment and individually crafted their own unique chalk messages. Nobody was arrested.

Kudos to the ACLU!