Hundreds Gather In Beverly For Black Lives Matter Protest

BEVERLY, MA — Mayor Mike Cahill praised a youth-led Black Lives Matter demonstration Wednesday, even while he acknowledged concerns about the gathering during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Today, a remarkable and special Black Lives Matter march took place in Beverly," Cahill said Wednesday in a message to Beverly residents. "The Black Lives Matter march that took place today is, as I am sure you understand, an event that comprises United States Constitution First Amendment protected free speech and assembly. Solely on grounds of COVID-19 concerns, I might have preferred this event not happen now. However, I understand and I support the need people have to exercise these Constitutionally guaranteed rights."

Cahill said organizers approached him last week, which allowed him and city officials to urge the protesters to practice social distancing and wear face coverings during the event. Cahill said "most" participants followed those requests, and the coordination with organizers allowed the city to help plan the walking route.

Wednesday's March was one of hundreds held in U.S. cities in recent weeks to call for racial justice and to condemn the Memorial Day death of George Floyd while handcuffed by Minneapolis police officers. Beverly's protest drew hundreds of people for a march through city streets, speakers and an eight minute, 46 second moment of silence representing the length of time Floyd was pinned to the ground.

"Our community is a caring one, and we will embrace the hard work moving forward to listen and learn from our neighbors and friends of color. It’s long past time in America that every person feel and be safe in their daily lives and enjoy the opportunities in life that some but not all have enjoyed in our country to date," Cahill said. "I want to thank our young community leaders who organized today’s event for setting us on the right course. I look forward to our shared journey together, and I urge you all to join in."