NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – A rally in New Haven on Sunday afternoon brought the community and law enforcement together. It was planned in the wake of the recent deadly police shootings across the country.
Justice was a central theme at the rally. The idea was to promote unity.
“I helped organize this rally because I thought that our people – both young and senior – needed to come together and be able to vent and encourage each other,” said Pastor Eldren Morrison of Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where the rally was held.
The rally drew a diverse group of people. Many in attendance held signs expressing how they felt. Some signs said “Black Lives Matter”; others demanded equality and peace.
“[My] sign says all lives matter. All lives do matter. Not just black but also white lives,” said Carolyn Mutts of New Haven.
Speakers included NAACP representatives and religious leaders. They talked about racial profiling. Local leaders, including New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, were a part of the rally. For some, the issues of race and justice are very personal.
“I’ve seen the unfair practices even in my blue uniform. I still see it, so I relate,” said Sgt. Jacqueline Hoyte of the New Haven Police Department. “It runs very deep and it hurts very deeply.”
This pain is why so many wanted an open and honest discussion about what’s been happening and what still needs to happen. Members of the black and law enforcement communities weren’t the only ones who wanted to make their voices heard.
“White silence truly is violence,” said Sam Mashaw, who is white. “We are the dominant race in this country. And so far we haven’t wielded that power very well at all.”
The rally empowered everyone to have a voice. Speakers encouraged everyone to be active, and that’s what many who attended plan to do.
“I can make great differences because I’m in a position of leadership in the community,” said Hoyte.
