PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DEEDS PROTEST … Demonstrators call for justice and equality during Saturday’s protest on the Courthouse Square in Bryan.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
On August 2, 2025, local residents gathered in downtown Bryan, Ohio, as part of a coordinated statewide action organized by DEED (Democracy, Education, and Defense).
The peaceful protest was held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Courthouse Square. The grassroots organization aims to protect civil rights, advocate for transparent governance, and raise awareness of legislative issues impacting democracy in Ohio.
The event was held the same day with similar protests in other Ohio communities, including Wauseon, to call attention to democratic values amid recent state-level political developments.
Participants in Bryan’s demonstration carried signs, gave speeches, and invited community engagement on key policy issues.
Among the advocacy points were two petitions: one calling for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO), and another seeking to eliminate Qualified Immunity protections for Ohio law enforcement officers.
In addition, a booth was present in support of Ukraine, operated in part by volunteers connected to the Form Surplus to Survival Initiative.
The humanitarian effort takes surplus items from American items, schools, and businesses and uses them to provide supplies for the Ukrainian civilians affected by war. The booth collected donations such as clothing, tools, and medical supplies.