FTN: Black Lives Matter rally

From the newsletter:

In early June there was a Black Lives Matter rally centered at York Road and Regester Avenue, which was organized by 13-year-old Drew Altemos of Rodgers Forge (pictured above with his mother, Pamela, and sister, Alison, and Del. Cathi Forbes). We asked him to tell us more:

“I think it is important for a community to work and stand together when injustices happen that are so outrageous and cruel that it becomes almost impossible to stay quiet. The tragic death of George Floyd is an example of one of these incidents. Protests have erupted all over the country and people who demand change are coming forth and trying to make a difference. However, in order for that to happen, we cannot rely on others. This was my inspiration for organizing a protest. I cannot say that I have been in the same position as people who are treated differently simply because their skin is a different color, but I understand that this is intolerable. When my Mom and I posted a notification on a website called NextDoor, I was shocked by how many people replied. Almost one hundred and fifty people said they would try to come, while others said they would post the event on social media. We wrote that the protest would be peaceful and that it would involve safety precautions like social distancing and masks. On the day of the protest, close to 1,000 people showed-up. I am really proud to be a part of a community that stands together for racial justice.”

Photos courtesy of Delegate Cathi Forbes.