Politics & Government
This Is What West Orange’s Youth BLM Movement Looks Like
A Black Lives Matter protest in West Orange drew a diverse crowd of supporters. "I'm not Black, but I will fight for you," a sign read.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Wearing face masks and carrying signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace, Prosecute The Police,” dozens of young activists recently rallied in West Orange for racial justice.
A pair of local youth advocacy groups held a march in West Orange on Aug. 15 to support the Black Lives Matter movement. The rally started at Main Street and Franklin Avenue and ended at Valley Road and Hazel Avenue.
The West Orange Youth Caucus and the West Orange Young Democrats asked participants to wear masks and socially distance prior to the event.
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In collaboration with @WOYouthCacus, there will be a march in protest for the Black Liberation Movement. Join us this Saturday @ 3PM to support your community, the greater movement and let your voice be heard. pic.twitter.com/VBvQ4wWxBL
— West Orange Young Democrats (@WOYD973) August 10, 2020
A diverse crowd of participants expressed solidarity across racial lines during the march.
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“Latinx for Black Lives Matter,” one sign read.
“I’m not Black, but I see you,” another sign read. “I’m not Black, but I hear you. I’m not Black, but I mourn with you. I’m not Black, but I will fight for you.”
The West Orange Youth Caucus has issued several calls to action via social media, pushing for “reasonable, tangible and proactive” measures to fight racial injustice at the municipal level. Those include:
- A local ordinance banning the use of knee and choke holds by police
- A local ordinance banning the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on crowds
- A local ordinance requiring a body camera on all active duty West Orange police officers on patrol
- A repeal of the town’s municipal code against “loitering” in a public place
View this post on InstagramLast week, the West Orange Board of Education posted a draft for their new Equity Plan and asked for input. Here is the letter we sent to the superintendent and the Board of Education with our suggestions, drafted by West Orange Youth Caucus Board Member Selam Woldai.
A post shared by West Orange Youth Caucus (@woyouthcaucus) on Jul 15, 2020 at 6:25pm PDT
View this post on Instagramif you can’t vote, YOU CAN SIGN if you can’t donate, YOU CAN SIGN if you can’t speak, YOU CAN SIGN please share this with every person you know that wants to build a more equitable society.
A post shared by West Orange Youth Caucus (@woyouthcaucus) on Jun 5, 2020 at 8:45am PDT
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