Dear Congregation,
Across our nation, our community and our congregation people that yearn for freedom are mobilizing in their own ways to protest racist violence and the murder of George Floyd. Here are three local ways to show up and make demands for a transformed community, followed by other ways to engage in a more sustained fashion.
Please be safe and know that there are ways to amplify these protests that do not require you to break social distancing rules. You can share these opportunities. You can amplify them on social media by reposting videos. And for the protest on Sunday, there is a Go-Fund-Me.
Mobile Protest – The Montclair Education Association and Restorative Justice Montclair – Travel in cars through Montclair’s 6 square miles with messages of solidarity against police brutality.Friday, June 5, 2020, 4:30-6:30 PM. Begin at Bradford School Buildings – 87 Mt. Hebron Road and ending at Nishuane School on Cedar Ave.
Montclair Citizens for Equality and Fair Policing, and For the Peoples Foundation present The Black Lives Matter Crack the Blue Wall rally and protest
Saturday, June 6, 2020 gather at 11:00 AM and march from noon till approximately 4:00 PM. Nishuane Park, marching to the Montclair Police Department and ending at Crane Park. Protesters are asked to maintain social distancing, wear masks and bring hand sanitizer.
Black Lives Matter Unity Walk – Demands: Desegregate our Classrooms / More black teachers and leadership in the district / Dismantle Eurocentric Curriculum / Mandatory Teacher Training regarding institutional racism, overt racism and race and culture / Change to Culture at School /
Sunday June 7, 2020, 2:00 PM starting at Montclair High School. Find the UUCM banner and march in solidarity. Remote ways to support: Amplify on Social Media; Go Fund Me: https://gf.me/u/x6sjb6
If you are looking for other ways to engage – in a more sustained capacity, consider these opportunities:
1. Join the task force pursuing an end to excessive use of force – contact: uucmurc@gmail.com
2. Interested in promoting and supporting black owned businesses – contact: socialjustice@uumontclair.org
3. Interested in joining an identity caucus: Black Lives UU Montclair, Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalists or Allies for Racial Equity – contact: intern@uumontclair.org