POUGHKEEPSIE – Mansion Square Park in the City of Poughkeepsie was the setting for a Black Lives Matter rally Sunday afternoon. Like communities across the country, Hudson Valley residents of all skin colors are angered by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers and have been holding rallies to voice their anger.
A crowd of nearly 150 attendees, most wearing masks and practicing social distancing, arranged themselves in large circles and participated in conversations about racism, claims of widespread police brutality towards black men, and their fears for the future. A large contingent of police officers were deployed in and around the park to keep everyone safe, according to Poughkeepsie Police Chief Tom Pape.
Poughkeepsie Councilwoman Natasha Cherry became emotional when she noted she has a son going off to college and she worries about his safety.
“We have to pray for our sons, and not pray to protect them from regular violence but to protect them in some cases to police brutality,” she said. “It has to stop; we have to come together. Today is a good showing that more and more people are on the same page.”
The crowd consisted of equal numbers of black and white participants joined by a contingent of Hispanic attendees. In one circle, a black woman from Brooklyn stood in the center and provided her audience with statistics on police brutality against black males, death rates, and others before moving to have each participant introduce themselves.
In another group, several community leaders joined with Poughkeepsie residents, with each participant introducing themselves and providing the reason for their attendance. Mayor Rob Rolison joined the school board president and vice president, Dr. Felicia Watson, and Debra Long along with Satara Brown, the founder of Rebuilding Our Children and Community, retired city judge, and current school board candidate Tom O’Neill, and city residents.
“Everyone needs to come together, all of the time,” said Rolison during his introduction.
O’Neill used his turn to remind everyone that he is running for a seat on the school board, adding “Black lives matter and we all matter,” said the lifelong city resident. His comments were echoed by Watson who said, “I believe that not only do black lives matter but all lives matter.” When his turn came, a young man stepped forward and said “My name is Harrington. I’m a black male and my life matters.” Debra Long, O’Neill’s running mate is seeking another term on the board and stressed the need for civility and understanding during the current tensions.
