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A few weeks ago, a flyer emerged for a "Blue Lives Matter” Rally happening in the Morris Park neighborhood of the Bronx. It was described as a "Back The Badge” event and covered with blue line iconography.
I asked around to see who had organized this event, and initially, no one could identify an organizer. I found that suspicious. A few weeks earlier, on June 4th, I was quick to decry a toxic display that occurred in the East Bronx - and this new event felt too similar for comfort
Local activists became dismayed when they saw this as well. We wanted to see this event renamed and turned into something more productive for the community. However, no one wanted to take accountability for the event and so there was no organizer to speak to.
So we decided to organize a counter-protest. As the community caught wind, dog whistling that "looters and thugs” would be encroaching the area occupied local community feeds. As an indicator for the level of divisiveness, the East Bronx overwhelmingly voted for Trump.
There was a significant police presence yesterday at Loreto Park. The “Blue Lives Matter” rally had a permit to be in the park, so we wanted to remain in a section outside to peacefully counter-protest in support of racial justice and divesting from NYPD to reinvest in community
Now it turns out, the organizer of the “Blue Lives Matter” Rally isn’t from here. She is a resident of Queens and a registered Conservative voter in Hopewell Junction. She had John Cummings speak, the Republican running against AOC, along with other newly local elected leaders.
Representatives from community associations & precinct councils were present. This event used the local police department to help promote a republican candidate seeking office. The guests were wearing MAGA hats and pro-Trump shirts.
95% of them were not wearing masks as they gathered in the playground were the “Blue Lives Matter” Rally was held.
Our coalition of counter-protestors came from different backgrounds, but unified as allies in solidarity against racism. The minute we began to chant “Black Lives Matter,” the “Blue Lives” people charged at the fence.
This launched them into a racist, violent, heteronormative, and ageist rant against the 20 counter-protestors standing strong against a group of aggressive bigots
Honestly, the behavior exhibited by the bulk of the “Blue Lives” folks shows that they need an outlet to condone their racism and bigotry. I support our neighborhood officers, but the violence displayed by community members is concerning.
Toxic masculinity and masked racism are protected under this notion of “Blue Lives.” Being a cop is a choice; being Black isn’t.
Cops getting hurt or killed while on the clock is an occupational hazard they signed up for; Black people didn’t sign up for living with those real fears, and they can’t escape them.
White people can stop being cops by simply taking off their uniform for the day (or quitting) to remove themselves from danger; Black people can’t stop being Black or experiencing the repercussions of racism, hence necessary activism.
The “Blue Lives” people got so violent, I witnessed 3 attempts of assault by grown men on our group (most of whom were teenagers). The level of aggression they incited was a line in the sand. They will fight to be racist.
The NYPD had to escort us out to ensure our safety. The “Blue Lives” folks made threats to people physically, and threatened people’s families.
I’m watching Blue Lives Matter protesters post about the event today. As they tokenize the limited amount of people of color who attended their event - they validate my concern that they are attempting to condition themselves to believe they aren’t operating under a racist agenda
Earlier this week, a photo was released that showed a white couple aiming guns at St. Louis protesters. I had wondered about the level of fear that motivated that couple to do what they did.
I saw some of that yesterday at the Blue Lives Matter rally in my neighborhood.
I saw some of that yesterday at the Blue Lives Matter rally in my neighborhood.
