Sunday ‘Rally Against Racism’ set for 4 p.m. at Rusty Parker Park
June 12, 2020 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Volunteers from The Children’s Room along with Waterbury resident Maroni Minter with ACLU Vermont are organizing a rally in downtown Waterbury at 4 p.m.
The Rally Against Racism will be held in Rusty Parker Park and participants are asked to wear face masks and be mindful of social distancing given public health guidance regarding the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
The event is in response to the national focus on racism in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, an African-American man killed by police during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. Since then, local community members have spoken out about instances of racial discrimination they have experienced.
Event organizers say their goals with the rally are to “acknowledge that we hear our community members impacted by racism and police brutality, come together in solidarity with families and children of color and to learn about what action steps we can take with the ACLU.”
Black Lives Matter rallies have happened around Vermont in the past two weeks including a large demonstration and march last weekend in Montpelier. An estimated 5,000 gathered to hear black Vermonters speak of their experiences and to call for more awareness of racism and an end to ingrained racial discrimination in society.
“At the Children’s Room, our call to action is to educate ourselves and work with our partners (schools, early care/learning providers, parents & families) to create learning opportunities and share resources, so we may all raise our children in a community committed to being anti-racist. We’re gathering to stand in solidarity with the people of color in our community and to commit to taking action,” Waterbury rally organizers wrote in their event announcement. “Collectively, we have the opportunity and responsibility to be vocal advocates for justice in our state.”
The Sunday event in Waterbury will include an invitation for members of the public, especially people of color, to speak. Those wishing to offer remarks may email erinkatehurley@gmail.com to be added to a list.
Participants are asked to park in lots near the train station to leave spots along the park open for those who wish to stay in their cars. Organizers also plan to march to Stowe and Main streets, returning to the park.
The event will be livestreamed on The Children’s Room Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thechildrensroom/. More details are available there as well.