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Pride and Peace: Newark, NJ Stages Powerful Protest For George Floyd Led by Mayor Ras Baraka

The City of Newark, NJ showed up and showed out this past weekend for George Floyd. Following the atrocious murder of yet another unarmed Black man at the hands of police, cities across The United States have taken action to express their anger and agony. Demonstrations dominate our social media timelines and news cycles. While comprehensible acts of arson and looting permeate cities across America, Newark, NJ took center stage.

Led by Mayor Ras Baraka and the People’s Organization For Progress, New Jersey’s largest metropolis staged a peaceful and unified demonstration this past weekend. Thousands of New Jerseyans from far and near gathered Downtown Newark to echo the pain felt across this nation, but Newark natives and city leaders set the tone.

“We have to speak against the barbaric and inhumane, outright sickness that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it is our job to do so,” exclaimed Mayor Baraka.

In one instance, an unidentified man and non-Newark native carried a bat in an attempt to destroy property. The man was quickly stopped and disarmed by Newark residents, demonstrating pride in protection for the city.

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Yes we did have a successful protest but no credit will be given to the so called “THUGS” that made sure everything stayed peaceful. It was those same thugs that stopped a looting situation from happening. But the news won’t show you that. But If you love your city the way I love my city you wouldn’t allow anyone to do damage to it. You would be willing to do anything to protect it.. Even if that meant fighting someone that looked like you or someone that you know..Anyone trying to come and disrupt our city will get delt with by the people of OUR city👑✊🏾

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The exemplary act of pride and protection is rooted in Mayor Baraka’s opening message prior to Saturday’s peaceful protest.

“Newark has been here before.”

More than 50 years ago, Newark experience the riots in 1967. These riots were ignited by the brutal beating of an unarmed Black cab driver at the hands of two white police officers, in addition to many instances of racial profiling and systemic racism within the city.

As you can see, not much has changed throughout this country, but we continue to fight. While we fight, we do so in solidarity.

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Took it upon myself to document today’s protest in Newark for George Floyd. I am amazed at how many familiar faces I saw out there today showing their support for the cause. Words cannot describe the energy in the air when @mikaylaaa.03 delivered her very powerful speech! — Police brutality is ruining the lives of African-American families across the country. We are asking for a change. Please stop killing us. #RIPGeorgeFloyd #StopPoliceBrutality #BlackLivesMatter ✊🏽

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