Rally Against Racism To Take Place In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — A rally against racism will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Veterans Park. Speakers will include teachers, students and law enforcement.

Robert Taylor, who organized the event, teaches at Central Regional High School, serves as a South Toms River councilman and stays heavily evolved in the community.

"I’ve been getting phone calls, phone calls, phone calls," Taylor told Patch. "Berkeley Township wants to feel like they’re being a part of the movement."

Protests against police brutality and systemic racism have surged worldwide since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. The Berkeley rally will heavily focus on the role youth play in changing the world.

"The young generation has to take over," he said. "The biggest thing here is you have to vote. If you don’t like what’s going on, vote on a local level all the way up to the president. If you do that, then you can make changes."

Taylor encourages people to wear face coverings and bring signs. Protesters will practice social distancing, he says. The Berkeley PBA will provide water, and first aid will be on hand. He expects the event to end at around noon.

He says the peaceful event is not about bashing police officers. Instead, the rally will focus on creating change at every level. For example, Taylor wants to see greater diversity at every workplace in Ocean County.

"There are too many places where you don’t see anybody that looks like you," he said. "If you don’t see anybody that looks like you, then you don’t know who you can talk to. That’s a message that I’m putting out there."

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