Black Mothers, Princeton Police Pray For Racial Equality

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Police and black mothers came together on Sunday to pray and meditate to put an end to racial injustice.

"The event gave members of the police department an opportunity to interact with local mothers and answer any questions or concerns they may have had," Princeton Police Captain Christopher Morgan. "It was a very positive experience and is representative of the strong and healthy relationship between the Princeton Police Department and the Princeton community."

Nakeisha Ammons, who works with the Princeton Police as a crossing guard, formed the Black Mothers Rising group following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The group is intended to give black mothers a voice and the event offered them an opportunity to speak up and share their concerns with law enforcement about what it is like to raise black children in a constant state of fear.

"It was unbelievable. It is hard to put into words. Nakeisha created a sacred space in the midst of grief, anger and devastation… I mean we meditated with the cops, we had eight minutes of silence for George Floyd, there was space for emotions, who can do something that powerful? I can tell you who: Black mothers," said Michelle Fuerst, a chef and parent in Princeton.

Ammons held a prayer, 30 minutes of meditation, a talk with police officers and 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

"As a pediatrician, I see how racism affects the health and wellness of our children. Racism attacks people's physical and mental health. And it is an ongoing public health crisis that needs our attention now. The healthcare inequity that racism produces has been amplified now due to the gross inequity in social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences," said Shilpa Pai, associate professor of pediatrics at Rutgers-RWJ medical school. "Vigils like this gave Black mothers the stage to share their authentic and raw feelings about the fear they have every time their son walks out the door. Worried for their lives on a daily basis. The vigil felt like the perfect forum to create authentic dialogue amongst the different communities of Princeton – law enforcement, town Council, community members of different races."

• Read More: Princeton Black Mother Is Rising Up Over Racial Injustice

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