Hundreds of people took part in a march and vigil in support of Black Lives Matter in Rockland.
Police blocked off parts of Union Street as participants marched to Town Hall.
Rockland native Lauren Illes, one of the speakers, says she grew up in a mixed family. But growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, she didn’t learn about Black struggles and reality until college.
“The point that I’m trying to get across is that Black lives should matter every day. Every single day. Not just when somebody is killed. I’m not here to focus on police reform that we so badly need, or the abolishment of police altogether,” said Illes. “Black lives should matter in schools, especially in public schools, where the majority of Americans get their education. Our school curriculum focuses so much on White American history. It fails to recognize the damage it does to minority students as a result. It definitely does not highlight all of the intelligent Black faces of America.”
Harriet Holder, an Associate Minister at the Fountain of Grace Church in Canton says these conversations are important for a better future.
“People are not speaking and protesting because they don’t have anything to do,” said Holder. “There’s something that they need to say because there is a need for the system to be changed.”
Halifax resident Greg Tavares said his motivation for change is his son.
“All you people know why you’re here right now. You are here because you are furious. You are here because if you’re Black, you are seven times more likely to feel police brutality in your lifetime. You are here because if you are Black, then you are two and a half times more likely to be killed by police in your lifetime,” said Tavares. “You are here because you are terrified and you are furious. Let’s use that anger. Push that to the polls.”
Organizers wanted to hold the event after seeing racist posts on Rockland social media pages.
“It blew up really fast. It’s something I never expected from this town,” said Sara Bistany, a co-organizer. “It’s been really amazing to see the community come together like that.”
The march and vigil ended peacefully just before 4 p.m. Organizers say that $2,000 was raised for the ACLU and Black Lives Matter.
Roughly 200 people took part in the march up Union Street. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Chris Landy, one of the organizers for the event, marches on Union Street. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Harriet Holder, an Associate Minister at the Fountain of Grace Church in Canton, says change will only happen if people come together. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Participants marching through the East/West Water Street and Union Street intersection. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
17-year-old Jaylen Haltiwanger of Rockland was the youngest speaker at the vigil. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Traffic was briefly halted while participants marched past Market Street. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
29-year-old Halifax resident Greg Tavares said his motivation for change is his son. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Speakers at Town Hall talked about their experiences with racism. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.