Hungry viewers call for 'Tailgate for Peace' as protests continue

BATON ROUGE – As protests continue across Baton Rouge Sunday afternoon, some WBRZ viewers are coming together to plan a "Tailgate for Peace."

The idea for the peaceful potluck was cooked up in an unlikely place: the comments section of a Facebook Live stream. As hungry viewers waited for more than 30 minutes to hear Governor John Bel Edwards address the public at 2:30 p.m. concerning the growing protests, the conversation turned to food.

As more than 2,000 people tuned in to watch Edwards' address, a battle started in the comments section. Viewers tried to block out the usual negative comments with snacks.

"Can we just still talk snacks instead of hate?" Ava Scott posted. "#keeptalkingaboutfood" another comment read.





"I mean who doesn't like food and it will show that we can come together and conquer anything," event organizer Jacob Walker said. "We are much stronger as one."

One hour after the livestream ended, nearly 400 people had joined the Facebook group. Then the organizing began.

The Tailgate for Peace group said they are still determining a location for the peaceful potluck, but they want to have the event in Baton Rouge and open to the public.

"It will be open to the public as far as I know," organizer Melissa Mask said. "This is for our community. For Louisiana local residents to come together, meet each other and enjoy one another as a whole."

In addition to food, the group wants to have positivity, games, fun and giveaways.

"One thing is clear. No hate, no movements, no anger," Mask said. "Just love for your neighbor and let's show that Louisiana is still an amazing place despite what is going on in our state and country."

The group is still in the opening planning phases. Mask said the group is still determining a specific location and is already talking with local businesses.

Anyone interested in helping with the event can email the the group at tailgateforpeace@gmail.com or visit their Facebook group. Residents are also asked to use hashtag #tailgateforpeace.