Common Council member raises fist during pledge

A Buffalo Common Council member raised his fist during the Pledge of Allegiance at Tuesday night's meeting.

Ulysees Wingo stood with his hand in the air while other Common Council members covered their hearts with their hands. Instead of reciting the pledge, he said a prayer to himself.

Wingo says this was not a protest against any agency, in fact he says he has a "great working relationship" with law enforcement in Buffalo. The silent act was a "stand of solidarity and unity and strength for people all across this country who are feeling the way I'm feeling, that black lives are being devalued."

Wingo says his actions will probably continue during the Pledge of Allegiance until more understanding about race relations is created. 

When 7 Eyewitness News asked what the purpose of his act was, he said it was to start a conversation. "Now we're being heard. Can you hear me now?" said Wingo.