SAUGUS — The Black Lives Matter movement has maintained solid support in Saugus as demonstrators once again marched to Town Hall Saturday afternoon to demand supportive government action for the town’s black community.
“It needs to end. The systemic racism that is put in place needs to end,” said Danielle Jones — who organized the event with the help of her cousin, Kayla Hogan, and Selectman Anthony Cogliano — as she addressed the crowd of more than 50 protestors. “The change starts with you, which is why we’re all here today.”
Saturday’s rally was just one of dozens that have occurred throughout the North Shore — and one of hundreds globally — since the Memorial Day killing of 46-year-old George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer.
In a Friday interview with The Item, Jones said it was important for the town to recognize the racial tensions and social injustices that have occurred for centuries, both globally and locally, to people of color.
“It’s clear that many residents don’t understand that people of color experience discrimination on a daily basis,” she said. “It’s time for us to step up and educate ourselves on the recent incidents that have taken place.
“We cannot wait any longer. This is our children’s future. It’s time for us as a community to fully support the Black Lives Matter movement,” she said.
Echoing Jones’ statements was Rev. Dr. Andre Bennett, a youth pastor at the Zion Church in Lynn. In an impassioned speech, Bennett called on Saugus to acknowledge the role its government and residents have played in oppressing the black community.
“Those of us who think we are safe here, in our little bubble in good old Massachusetts, on the North Shore, I come by to tell you there are racists here in Saugus,” Bennett said. “I come by to tell Saugus today that there is an oppressive system here in Saugus. I come by to let Saugus know that until all our brothers and our sisters, every person of color, have the same and equal opportunities as everybody else, we’re going to call you out to your face. We’re going to look you square in the face and we’re going to let you know that enough is enough.”
Saugus resident Kristi Taylor said she just happened to be out on a jog when she came across the demonstration in Saugus Center.
After listening to the day’s speakers and participating in the 8:45-long moment of silence that took place outside of the Saugus Public Safety building, she asked Hogan if she could borrow her megaphone, and used the moment to call on the town’s white residents to do their homework regarding issues that affect black Americans.
“If you don’t know what redlining is, read about it. If you don’t really understand what systemic racism is, go read about it,” she said. “White people need to stop relying on the backs of people of color to teach us.”
Taylor encouraged anyone interested in a discussion to join her at a later time.
“Get together with me after this and let’s talk about it. Let’s have a real conversation,” she said.
When asked how she felt the rally went, Jones said she felt it was successful.
“I think it went well, I honestly do,” she said. “I feel like a lot of people came out, and I’m grateful for that.”