Politics & Government
Bernards Junior Rallies Students To March For Racial Justice
Bernards High School incoming senior Rai Bindra is gathering to students to take a stand and march on Saturday in Bernardsville.
BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Bernards High School incoming senior Rai Bindra is taking a stand against racial injustice and is rallying other students to join a peaceful march on Saturday in Bernardsville following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"I am willing to drum up support on the behalf of Bernards High School because as a minority in the school, I believe that change must be made. Members of our community can make change," Bindra said.
Bindra has reached out to High School officials and even made requests on social media to get more students to stand together.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"It's time the country recognizes privileges. It's time the people educate themselves. It's time petitions are signed. It's time the black culture is respected. It's time that we must not remain silent and see the country collapse when we can spark hope and peacefully protest a proper way," Bindra said.
The march, organized by Gina Oreficé Beltz, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and assemble at Bernards High School and stop at the Millicent Fenwick statue where there will be a vigil set up before ending in front of the train station where the Farmer's Market will be held.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
All participants must remain on the sidewalk and can not block traffic. They are encouraged to bring signs, positive energy, cowbells, megaphones, water, umbrella/poncho, sunblock.
Participants must also wear a facial mask, maintain social distancing and remain peaceful.
"Come in peace, spread love, show up all day, or for an hour. Bring your children (it's important for them to see this and be a part of the change)," Beltz wrote.
For more information on the march click here.
This march follows the killing of Floyd, 46, when then Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Video, which captured Floyd saying "I can't breathe," went viral, and sparked the nationwide protests. Read More: All 4 Minneapolis Officers Charged As Protests Continue
Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.
Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.