North Shore Black Lives Matter March Gathering In Beverly

BEVERLY, MA — Several dozen protesters were gathering in front of Beverly City Hall Tuesday afternoon, with plans to commence on a march through Beverly, Salem and Marblehead.

The "Call to Action Solidarity March" was planning to cover about seven miles, ending at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Marblehead.

"In the wake of recent acts of theft and vandalism to Black Lives Matter flags and banners on the North Shore, we stand as one community united in love, and committed to justice, safety, equality, and equity for all. We will not accept these divisive actions in our towns!" event organizers wrote on Facebook. "We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Black and Brown siblings and to use our voices and our bodies in protest of injustice, inequities, and acts that perpetuate hate and fear. North Shore communities of color—especially those young and old who have spoken publicly and courageously about our hopes and demands – implore you to stand with us as we work to dismantle systemic racism in our midst."

Earlier this month, a Black Lives Matter flag was stolen from the front of Beverly City Hall. Two days later, Marblehead police released surveillance camera footage of a man vandalizing a Black Lives Matter banner in front of the Unitarian Universalist Church on Mugford Street.

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).