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An open letter to the Manteo community:

Congratulations to my fellow community members here in Manteo as well as friends from across Dare County as men, women and children came together to participate in the peaceful demonstration Tuesday evening [June 9]. Hats off to the Dare Minority Coalition for their leadership in organizing the “Moments of Silence” event. There were powerful words spoken, a time of silence to honor those who had lost their lives to police violence, and singing and love shared with the group.

I also appreciate all of the law enforcement and public safety agencies that came out to support this important event. It was good to see representatives from all of the departments throughout Dare County.

Here in Manteo, we are all one people. That’s the way it was when I was a child growing up here, and it’s the way it should be now. On Tuesday, voices were heard and the community came together. Peace reigned over the Town of Manteo.

With goodwill to all,

Bobby Owens

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