They Helped Lead Newark’s George Floyd Protest; What’s Next?

NEWARK, NJ — They helped to draw thousands of people to Newark for a peaceful protest on police brutality. So now, after getting the chance to regroup, what’s the next step for the members of the People’s Organization for Progress (POP)?

With leadership from POP founder and U.S. Senate candidate Larry Hamm, the group spearheaded a massive rally in the Brick City last Saturday that made national headlines – in a good way.

While other protests across the U.S. saw waves of arrests and reports of theft/property damage, in Newark, the scene was overwhelmingly one of cooperation and solidarity.

• See related article: 5 Inspiring Glimpses Into Newark's Peaceful George Floyd Protest

• See related article: Did You Protest In Newark? Take A Coronavirus Test, Mayor Says

Organizers with the POP estimated that there were 12,000 participants at Saturday’s rally. And hopefully, it’s a momentum that the group can keep going at its next protest, they said.

During a press conference on Friday, Hamm and other POP organizers announced plans for their next rally, which will take place on Monday, June 8. That event – which will be the next chapter of the POP’s long-running “Justice Mondays” series – will take place at 3 p.m. in front of the federal building at 970 Broad Street. Participants are being asked to wear face masks and gloves and to practice social distancing. (Learn more here)

The June 8 rally will again take aim at police brutality and Floyd’s death, as well as other victims such as Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. But it will also be a demonstration of support for the Newark Civilian Complaint Review Board, which was established as part of a landmark settlement agreement between the city and the U.S Justice Department.

That agreement, reached in 2016, came amid allegations that the Newark Police Department "eroded public confidence" by unconstitutionally harassing minority residents, particularly African-Americans.

• See related article: Newark, Feds Reach Landmark Civil Rights Settlement

According to the POP, the Newark Civilian Complaint Review Board is unlike any other in the country, because it has full subpoena power and the authority to conduct independent investigations. It currently faces a challenge in New Jersey Supreme Court from the local Fraternal Order of Police.

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