Bridgewater Residents March For Black Lives Matter Movement

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Sunday was Thalia Grandinetti's high school graduation day and she wanted nothing more than racial equality. As a bi-racial woman in Bridgewater she put together a march in the township to spread the message that "black lives matter" following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.

"Honestly there is no one else doing anything or I hadn't heard of anyone organizing any protests in Bridgewater. I didn't want that for my community. Someone needs to do something," said Grandinetti.

She had attended a previous protest in Franklin and was inspired by the organizer's speech.

"He said, 'I organized this protest four days ago. I am just one person. And look at the amount of people here. Why not you?'" said Grandinetti.

She put together the march on Sunday — her graduation day from Rutgers Prep. The march began at the Bridgewater Raritan Regional High School and continued to the Township Police Department. Police helped to block off streets to make sure participants safely were able to walk.

During her speech, Grandinetti thanked the participants for coming out, showing their support and letting everyone know that they all have a voice to "show the community that this won't be tolerated."

The march also included a moment of silence for Floyd, 46, who died after 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

Grandinetti's mother was especially proud of her daughter.

"I am extremely proud of my daughter," Caroline Grandinetti said. "I am a very brown woman living in the United States of America and it humbled me to just the feel all the love and support."

Other peaceful protests were also held in Somerville, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville and virtually in Hillsborough. Read More: Black Lives Matter: Hundreds Gather In Somerset County: Videos

Another march is being planned on Saturday at 2 p.m. to begin at the Bridgewater Library off 1 Vogt Drive. For more information follow instagram.com/bridgewaterforblm.

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