Hundreds Flood Streets At Protests In Nutley, Belleville: WATCH

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Protests in the name of George Floyd took place in Belleville and Nutley last weekend. Video and photos showed peaceful gatherings at both events.

The local protests were held to express outrage over police brutality nationwide. They happened alongside dozens of others Saturday and Sunday throughout New Jersey.

BELLEVILLE

A rally in Belleville drew a passionate crowd of Black Lives Matter supporters to the steps of Town Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Taking turns at the microphone, speakers urged the community to “listen to black voices” and hold local leaders accountable for the same types of policing reforms being demanded nationwide. Some chanted to “defund the police” and reinvest in schools and social programs. Others belted out songs of peace, using music to express their sorrow – and outrage.

Several protesters carried signs that read “Say Their Names” and “I Stand With You.”

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor,” another sign read, referring to a quote from Desmond Tutu.

Belleville Allies, an advocacy group that helped to spearhead Saturday’s rally, wrote that the demonstration was both peaceful and powerful.

“To the people of Belleville, you made your voices heard and showed us the true meaning of community,” the group stated. “While our event might be over, the conversation continues.”

“We would also like to thank the members of the Belleville Police Department, town officials and the Belleville Board of Education for their cooperation in ensuring a safe space for us to use our voices,” the group added.

Mayor Michael Melham, Deputy Mayor Vincent Cozzarelli and town council members Naomy De Peña, Thomas Graziano, John Notari, Steven Rovell and Marie Strumolo-Burke issued a joint statement last week, saying they are "saddened and outraged over the tragic death of George Floyd." (Read it here)

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NUTLEY

Nutley’s rally took place on Sunday at Yanticaw Park, drawing hundreds of people in a peaceful show of solidarity against police brutality.

En route to the park, dozens of protesters marched through the streets chanting "Black Lives Matter" and citing the names of people killed during encounters with police, such as George Floyd.

The rally wasn’t without its detractors, however. A video circulating on social media showed a man in a face mask standing on the front steps of a home, taunting protesters as they passed by.

“Go f*** yourself!” he yells, as protesters tell him he should “be ashamed.”

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