Westfield Teens Plan Peaceful George Floyd Protest Sunday

WESTFIELD, NJ — Local high school students from Westfield have planned a Black Lives Matter protest at Mindowaskin Park this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. The event is billed on a flyer as a peaceful protest.

The protest was planned in the wake of the Death of George Floyd, who was killed in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. Four Minneapolis police officers have been charged criminally in connection with Floyd's death, and protests have taken place around New Jersey and the country.

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, local teens, and others will speak at the event. There will also be a performance of the song "We Are The World."

Money collected will go to the George Floyd Memorial Foundation.

Brindle discussed the upcoming protest in an email Friday night and reminded residents to take coronavirus precautions seriously.

"As you may know, there is a peaceful protest organized by local high school students for this Sunday at 2:45 in Mindowaskin Park to support the Black Lives Matter movement and condemn the killing of George Floyd," she wrote. "The organizers have been working with the police to ensure a safe experience for all. I remain so moved by the level of engagement shown by our residents — particularly our students and young adults — to organize and make a positive impact on the community."

She advised, "For all of those who plan to attend, please note that there will be designated entry points to ensure the safety of all participants. Due to limited parking in the area, please try to walk to the park if you can, and plan for the fact that there are no restroom facilities available."

She also noted, "I will once again implore all attendees to take public health precautions very seriously, as COVID-19 is still very much a reality, and the last thing any of us wants is to see an increase in cases. Please do your best to keep your distance from others, stay home if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you reside with anyone in a vulnerable health category, and of course wear a face covering. We plan to have a limited number of additional masks on hand for those who may have forgotten to wear one."

(On Wednesday, Brindle reported the 42nd death of a Westfield resident from coronavirus, an 84-year-old woman associated with a long-term care facility. She said the town will honor the victims some time in the future.)

Organizers of the event said people should follow social distancing precautions and bring water, hand sanitizer, and snacks.

Do you plan to take photos? Email caren.lissner@patch.com.

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