5 Inspiring Glimpses Into Newark’s Peaceful George Floyd Protest

NEWARK, NJ — Protesters came by the thousands to Newark to decry police brutality and the death of George Floyd. And they did so in a way that made New Jersey’s largest city proud.

On Saturday, a massive rally in the name of Floyd took place in Newark, gaining support from residents, activists, police and local officials alike. Despite drawing thousands of participants, Brick City’s overwhelmingly peaceful protest stood in stark contrast to others across the nation, which have seen rioting, fires and arrests.

Newark’s protest drew people from all over — activists, families, passersby who decided to join. Some were angry and many were pained by the continued struggle of black Americans, but they all shared the same sentiment, that the movement must remain violence-free to be effective.

• See related article: Thousands Flood Downtown Newark For Peaceful Protests

Here are five inspiring glimpses into Saturday’s rally.

DANCING, NOT DESTRUCTION

There were lots of shows of unity during Newark’s protest. But one of the most poignant was a stirring, syncopated group dance that took place at the intersection of Broad and Market streets.

Twitter user @FrostyTheSkid posted a video from the scene that quickly went viral, racking up more than 11.5 million views in two days.

“Put THIS on the news,” he wrote.

A'Dorian Murray-Thomas, the founder of local nonprofit SHE Wins Inc. and a member of the Newark Public Schools board of education, commented that the city was committed to having a peaceful protest.

“When others from outside of our community sought to do otherwise, they were immediately shut down,” Murray-Thomas stated, sharing a video of a group of protesters surrounding a man with a baseball bat who was standing near a store window.

THEY DIDN’T PULL PUNCHES

The absence of violence at Newark’s protest didn’t mean the message was lost among its participants, who shared their outrage and anger at Floyd’s death.

The People's Organization for Progress (POP), the local advocacy group that spearheaded Saturday’s protest, said the rally was held to protest “police brutality” and “brutal savagery committed against oppressed communities, particularly the black community.”

Speaking at Saturday’s rally, Larry Hamm, founder of the POP and a 2020 candidate for U.S. Senate in New Jersey, said it’s understandable to be outraged at what happened to Floyd, who leaves behind two daughters, ages 6 and 22.

“It's all right to be angry about what happened,” Hamm insisted. “And I'm going to say something else: It is mentally unhealthy to repress that anger and that outrage. The difference is we must take our outrage and take our anger and take our righteous indignation and turn it into energy to organize our people to fight against the forces of racism and oppression here in the United States.”

SUPPORT FROM LOCAL AUTHORITIES

In some cities, protesters were met by police outfitted in riot gear and stern warnings from local officials. But in Newark, local authorities took a different approach on Saturday, embracing the rally and offering statements of support for those participating.

Joining Hamm on the steps of City Hall, Mayor Ras Baraka praised the POP’s long-running efforts to eradicate police brutality and other injustices.

“I think for [them] to hold a rally is appropriate,” Baraka said. “In fact, people would have thought something was wrong if there was no rally to have.”

On Saturday, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said he welcomed a “peaceful demonstration” on Floyd’s death.

“I do not condone the actions of the officer in this deplorable incident,” Ambrose said. “Based on what was observed on video, Mr. Floyd lost his life directly due to the actions of the officer. He in no way represents the standard of law enforcement, which is aimed at preserving and protecting lives. Further, these actions do not reflect the commitment of the hundreds of hardworking men and women of the Newark Police Division who serve their community honorably and correctly day in and day out.”

“We greatly respect the public’s right to protest,” Ambrose continued. “Our earnest request is that the gathering be conducted peacefully and in honor of the life of George Floyd and his family.”

NOT JUST NEWARK

Newark wasn’t the only place in New Jersey that saw peaceful protesting on Saturday.

The Camden County Police Department joined members of the community for a unity walk on Saturday. One widely shared image showed Camden County Police Chief Joe Wysocki marching with protesters and holding a sign that reads, "Standing in Solidarity."

• See related article: Camden Offers Picture Of Police Unity After George Floyd's Death

In Morristown, a Black Lives Matter vigil drew mourners from across Morris County. As in Newark, some protesters used dance as a powerful – yet peaceful – way to show unity for the cause.

• See related article: Morristown Vigil Honoring George Floyd Remains Peaceful

Three peaceful protests were held in Somerset County over the weekend in Somerville, Manville and Franklin.

• See related article: 'I Can't Breathe,' Protesters Chant In Somerset County (Video)

Rallies in other parts of New Jersey, including Englewood and Paterson, also stayed peaceful.

• See related article: Englewood, Paterson Protests Remain Peaceful

IT’S NOT OVER YET

Saturday’s protests may be just the beginning. Some community activists and organizers are trying to keep the momentum from last weekend going with more rallies and protests in North Jersey.

According to social media accounts, upcoming protests are tentatively slated to take place in Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, Asbury Park, Middletown, Carteret, Union, Perth Amboy, North Bergen and West Orange.

At least one of the rallies – the June 5 event in Perth Amboy – has since been discredited by organizers. Patch was unable to immediately confirm the authenticity of the following events:

• See related article: Floyd Protests Reportedly Planned In Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.