The "man with the folding chair" refers to Reggie Bernard Ray, who was involved in a brawl at the Montgomery, Alabama, riverfront. He used a folding chair as a weapon during the fight, which was widely publicized and became a viral sensation. The incident occurred when white boaters refused to move their pontoon boat to allow the Harriott II riverboat to dock, leading to a confrontation and subsequent brawl.
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Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The Incident:
The fight erupted after the Harriott II riverboat, owned by the city, tried to dock at its designated spot, but the pontoon boat blocked the way.
Reggie Ray's Involvement:
Ray, a Black man, used a folding chair to defend a Black riverboat worker who was being attacked by white boaters.
Viral Sensation:
The brawl, and particularly the image of Ray wielding the chair, became a viral sensation, sparking memes and discussions about race and social justice.
Legal Consequences:
Ray pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, receiving a suspended jail sentence, community service, and a fine.
Symbolism:
The folding chair has become a symbol of resistance and has been compared to other historical symbols of protest.
Further Developments:
The incident also led to charges against the white boaters involved, who also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.