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Some know him as the All Knight, some as The Cleveland Crusader, but if you're like me, you know him as McKenzie Levi. McKenzie Levi goes by many names, but he's mostly known for his crusader outfit and megaphone at the Cleveland protest.
McKenzie stands for the freedom of all citizens, but he also follows the rules and laws. He’s mostly known for attending protests in Cleveland Ohio, but this guy is much more than that. Levi is an author, a filmmaker, and a sword-fight trainer. Levi has one book currently on sale at Amazon.com titled 'In the Beginning'.
McKenzie and I got together for an interview about the protest that happened in the summer of 2020. He made a 3-episode documentary about the struggles and outcomes of being the face of a protest. The short documentary titled 'Cleveland Protest 2020' is now available for free via YouTube.com
The documentary explains a lot about how the Crusader feels about the riots and attacks towards police that happened in 2020, so we decided to ask some extra questions.
How do you feel about the riots?
I was disappointed in the riots, especially locally. It was disheartening to witness the destruction being done by community members and frustrating to see it being done by outsiders and organized groups. Cleveland has had more to
complain about than most cities in regard to high-profile police-involved shootings, yet the activist community has always kept things under control and focused on making change through appropriate channels. Cleveland activists are passionate and willing to get gritty, but they are compassionate and even tidy. Many aspects of the local riot felt out of place for Cleveland. I will share that it was emotionally painful for the downtown community who live, and work, and even protest down there. The overtly communist graffiti that was done as part of the riot was also shocking to many who thought the movement was about addressing police use of force.
Do you think the riots went too far?
Addressing the matter locally again, I think the protest went too far as soon as it became destructive, which from my perspective was when the march began and members of it splintered off to begin spray painting on City Hall. After that, many individuals took things too far in a variety of ways, and subsequently, people were injured, and the property was destroyed. I think some opportunistic individuals took the damage too far and were having fun reveling in the destruction.
The Cleveland riot of 2020 didn't go too far for the city to bounce back though. While there are still a few remnants of the destruction, like the burnt-out guard kiosks at the Justice Center, almost everything else is repaired. Other cities, businesses, and people were not so lucky.
What do you think caused the division?
I think rhetoric and behavior from the media and all levels of politicians have set communities against one another. The same media and politicians who traumatized the populace with a pandemic fear campaign and debilitating lockdowns then stoked the justified anger of the mob with a narrative that in many ways was based on the horrible truths but also intentionally crafted to generate destructive and violent rage. I have often wondered why the Minneapolis police department chose to release and withhold the portions of the footage that they did. I wondered why no civic leaders called for peace or restraint but instead seemed to condone the destruction. I called Mayor Jackson's office and suggested he make a statement before the protest. I still wonder why the local leaders claim they were caught so unprepared when the riots had already been active in other cities. I will never forget as destruction rang into the night through Cleveland, the city-owned digital advertising boxes on the sidewalks all displayed "George Floyd" with a heart.
I cannot downplay the divisive element that is Trump. Since his entrance onto the political scene in 2015, he has been an instrument of division. But Democrat leaders and the media are mostly responsible for the division in America. Antifa and Black Lives Matter are used as weapons by them.
How do you feel about BLM rioters insulting the Trump rioters?
I'm not surprised since these groups are sworn enemies. Both sides must demonize the other and must frame them in a way to make them look the worst. I remember when AOC stormed Pelosi's office with activists a couple of years ago and it was no big deal. Otherwise, the DC protest scene looks like a warzone often. Can you imagine what it would be like if a Black Lives Matter riot got into the capital?
I mock the Trump rioters a little bit. They couldn't decide if they were revolutionary rebels or law-abiding moderates. I mostly mock them for falling for the trap. I thought it was bizarre that so many people went to that particular event. I was doing night public safety at the local Trump rallies at the time too (they had originally started as anti-lockdown protests but then they transitioned it to just Trump flag waves) and people invited me to go on their bus to the Jan 6 event, but I declined because I thought it was pointless. I didn't like the departure times, and I already had plans to go to the Inauguration. I'm glad I didn't go. I would have tried to stop the riot before it got going. Instead, Trump didn't even warn those people not to go in or that there were undercover agitators in their midst.
Where do you stand in the BLM spectrum?
I respect their grievances and if I were in a position of power, I would address and correct these issues. I do not like the recent riots done under the banner of BLM and I think their anger is being misdirected at their own communities when it should be directed at their political leaders. Otherwise personally, I haven't had any issues with our local group. They typically behave respectfully which shows respect to the people and issues they protest for.
What do you think these protesters can do better?
Bring their grievances directly to lawmakers. A mob in the streets can get attention but commenting at county, city, and town council meetings can have more of an impact. Local leaders make new laws, resolutions, and budget decisions every week. Most places allow for the public to comment on whatever issue they want, and citizens should take greater advantage of that.
Is there really a reason to protest the government?
Yes. Everyone has the right to defend themselves against injustice, violence, tyranny, or any undesired encroachment. Publicly articulating one's objection to these things is an appropriate action.
One day you may visit Ohio and get to feel our air. If that ever happens, come to the city of Lakewood, and visit Lakewood Park. Bring your friends too because on Sundays between 1-4 pm is when exciting things happen-- join a local group of men in full medieval armor swinging their swords wildly at each other with no fear. The Lake Erie Historical Fencing (founded by McKenzie Levi in 2018) will be waiting for you whenever you visit or come to say "hi" to the Cleveland area. If you are ready, begin to fill your bags with great swords, steel plate armor, gauntlets, helms, and fencing masks because the action is about to take a twist to medieval times.
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Interview with McKenzie Levi
Editor: Jolie Townsend-Moyer
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