Black Mothers Rally In South Brunswick: Photos

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Here are photos from the Black Mothers Rising event this past Saturday in South Brunswick, where local African-American and women of color asked to meet with South Brunswick police officers and hear their concerns about safety for their sons.

The event was held Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon outside the South Brunswick Community Center (124 New Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852). It was open to all to attend.

"Sadly, no officials came out and met with us, but we did get some good dialogue going as a group," said attendee Alyson Parker. "We are hoping that they will participate in a Zoom call with us on August 12 and 19."

Black Mothers Rising was created by Montgomery resident Nakeisha Ammons. She said she started the movement so police could see who her two sons are. It is part of the "Know Us, Don't Just Patrol Us" movement to encourage dialogue between police and the Black community in the United States.

Ammons has held several similar events in Princeton and Montgomery this summer .

Ammons, who is African American, said she wouldn't allow her children to play with Nerf or water guns growing up, for fear they are mistaken for real guns.

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

After Floyd's killing, Ammons said she was terrified to even let her son go around the corner to Wawa for fear of being pulled over.

"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," she said.

Learn more about the group: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMothersRising/

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