14 June 2020, Brooklyn: “We are all affected in one way or another by police brutality and other injustices against Blacks in America. Therefore, it’s only proper that we march and rally in solidarity with each other and to protest against all forms of discrimination and abuse by police officers,” said Grenadian-American community organiser and recording artiste, Cheryl Vincent, at the massive Caribbean-Americans for Justice March and Rally, which was held on Sunday, 14 June 2020.Â
The march started on Flatbush Avenue at Church Avenue, then headed northwards on Flatbush Avenue to the location of the Rally, which was at Grand Army Plaza.
The organised march and rally brought out a large number of participants (Caribbean-American, African-American, Hispanic and White), who together made their voices heard as they registered their solidarity and bold statements against police brutality and every other form of systemic discrimination which target Blacks in America.
The following elected officials addressed the massive gathering and delivered updates on bold new legislative reforms that are being undertaken at the state and federal level: US Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke; NYC Public Advocate, Jumaane D Williams; New York State Assemblyman, N Nick Perry; and NYS Assemblywoman, Latrice Monique Walker.
Williams was particularly emphatic in his support for the initiative of a majority of NYC Council reps, to partially defund and redirect $1 billion from the $6 billion allocated to the New York City Police Department, to education, health, housing and youth programmes.
Several community organisers and leaders, including Rose Guerrier, Rickford Burke, Chris Banks, Pastor Monrose and Gerry Hopkin, also addressed the assembled masses. Additionally, several young local artists — poets, singers and drummers — performed on stage at the rally.
The Caribbean-Americans for Justice March and Rally was quickly organised within 10 days, by a committee comprised of community organisers from various Caribbean/West Indian countries, who are active in community-based movements and organisations in the Diaspora. Namely, they are Ann Williams, Chris Banks, Curtis Nelson, Gerry Hopkin, Pastor Gil Monrose, Heron Douglas aka Rocking J, Joy Irene Rathan, Minna Lafortune, Rickford Burke, Rose L Guerrier, and Rev. Dr Terry Lee (listed in alphabetical order).
The following Caribbean-American owned entities and individuals, donated equipment and services needed for the execution of this event: The Tool House Rental LLC; GKA Transport; Shakedown Sound; Princess Cruise 2, LLC; RideAlong Live; Elique Media & Marketing Group; Dr Denise J Roberts, PhD; and Hopkins Consulting Group LLC.
HCG Communications | Gerry Hopkin
I applaud everyone in the wake of this ongoing fight against police brutality. However, I am at a loss when the Caribbean governments who are guilty of perpetuating colonial rule through our school systems and institutions. There was demonstrations in front of U.S embassy in Grenada but if this kind of energy was put towards Grenada local police brutality and push for change. Oscar Bartholomew was murdered in police custody. To date none of police officers were charged with murder.
Our system is still forcing black children to cut their hair as growing natural black is not permitted. Our children is still made to feel being black ugly and a crime. Why don’t we in Grenada promote and encourage our blackness. Why isn’t our natural dreads hair is not allowed in schools? This part of systemic racism. So it turns out Grenada have more uncle Tom’s and Aunt Jemima.
Today in Grenada certain family names still have easier access to finance.
Charity begins at home.
Not sure why Caribbean people are proudly participating in this confusion when there are no specific tangibles in it us or Black people in America or around the world. Nothing will change for us if they “defund” the police, whatever this means. The police will still have guns even with less funding so this makes no sense.
Maybe we just like the carnival atmosphere or we want to produce sweat. We have to start doing things in strategic ways.
If you do not know what defend the police means. Look it up for commenting. If you’re black also research your history, it wasn’t a confusion. 1
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