Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 26, 1995 TAG: 9502280037
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: UNION POINT, GA. LENGTH: Short
``To resort to a ban was not perhaps the most effective way to resolve a problem of criminal behavior and lawlessness,'' said U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., who led the mostly black marchers in a peaceful mile-long procession through the village of Union Point, about 80 miles east of Atlanta.
About a dozen troopers wearing helmets and shields and carrying clubs, guns and fire extinguishers walked alongside.
In December, city officials and merchants compiled a list of 21 blacks that they wanted to ban from stores in what they called an attempt to curtail shoplifting and other crimes.
On Tuesday, after almost 10 hours of negotiation ordered by a federal judge, merchants agreed to lift the ban. They did not admit wrongdoing and deny the ban was racially motivated.
As the marchers passed, several white people stood by with signs protesting the demonstration. One poster said, ``Janet Reno: Reconstruction Is Over. Leave Us Alone.''
Fifteen of those on the list, which included people ages 16 to 30, are suing for unspecified damages, saying their civil rights were violated.
by CNB