About two dozen activists gathered in New Haven on Monday to show solidarity with those protesting white supremacy. They joined groups across the country acknowledging the anniversary of the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville last weekend.
The gathering was a collaboration between the New Haven chapters of Black Lives Matter and Showing Up for Racial Justice. Activists stood on the corner of the New Haven Green holding signs and umbrellas.
Sun Queen, the cofounder of Black Lives Matter New Haven, took a break from chanting to share the goals of the protest.
“We are here today basically letting the people know, letting America know, that racism equals terrorism. That racism should not still be here in 2018.”
Sun said the first step is for anyone interested in community organizing is to educate themselves. Reed Miller agreed. He’s an organizer with Showing Up for Racial Justice New Haven.
“In particular, white folks are having conversations with other white folks to take some of that burden off of people of color always having to explain what racism is. Once we’ve taken the time to read and talk to people and learn, we can pass on that knowledge, and free up a couple of people of color to do the important organizing needing to be done in their own communities.”
Both Black Lives Matter and Showing Up for Racial Justice host regular meetings and conversations. Miller says attendance ebbs and flows based on the news but the need for these conversations is ever present.