Hundreds Attend Protest For Racial Injustice In Patchogue

PATCHOGUE, NY — About 100 people participated in a recent protest for racial injustice held in Patchogue last week. According to local resident, Felisa Mahabal, who attended the event, the protest was held along Main Street and several cars that passed by honked in support.

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri and Perry Gershon, who is running to represent New York's 1st District in Congress, were among the hundreds to attend the protest.

"It was a diverse crowd and all ages were represented," Mahabal told Patch.

She said that everyone who was at the protest wore masks and that police were close by. No arrests were reported.

The protest was organized by a high school student, Victoria Mahabal, who felt that there wasn’t enough support from Patchogue residents, Mahabal said.

"I joined about 100 people in Patchogue yesterday afternoon in a very peaceful demonstration for racial justice. Great young crowd, organized by a 15 year old student," Gershon wrote in a post on Facebook. "Mayor Paul Pontieri came by and we spoke about the interplay of the demonstrations and reopening stores downtown. More than half the cars that passed by beeped in approval of our cause. By demanding change, we will make a difference."

All photos courtesy of Felisa Mahabal