Princeton Black Mother Is Rising Up Over Racial Injustice

PRINCETON, NJ — From the moment Nakeisha Ammons found out she was pregnant with a boy, she knew he would have a "plight on him" because he was black.

"I have two teenagers and live in a state of constant anxiety of letting them outside," Ammons, who works with the Princeton Police as a crossing guard, said.

Ammons, who now lives in Montgomery said she raised her kids to act in a certain way just to fit in: she wouldn't allow them to play with Nerf or water guns for fear of being seen as troublemakers by the police. Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ammons said she was terrified to even let her son go around the corner to Wawa for fear of being pulled over.

That's when Ammons said enough is enough and formed the Black Mothers Rising group. On Sunday, she is hosting a prayer and meditation session with the Princeton Police for all parents to speak up and share their concerns with law enforcement.

"I don't want to have a battle with police, I just want to let them know our feelings as mothers of those children who do not come home or those who have black children and fear the same thing can happen to them because they have similar faces," Ammons said.

After seeing video footage of Floyd's death, Ammons said was worried for her own family. Read More: All 4 Minneapolis Officers Charged As Protests Continue

"I looked at my father, I looked at my brother and I looked at my son," Ammons said. "Whether they are young or old we fear for our children. We are held in a different light when it comes to law enforcement."

Ammons is hoping by hosting the peaceful event, it will help mend ties with the police.

The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at 400 Witherspoon St. and include a prayer, 30 minutes of meditation and a talk with police officers. Anyone is invited to join and bring a chair or yoga mat, water and snacks.

Participants are asked to wear a mask and follow social distancing rules.

For more information about the Black Mothers Rising cause or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/black-mothers-rising.

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