Dedham Shows Solidarity With Black Lives Matter Movement

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham families showed up in droves on Sunday to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and protest police brutality and systemic racism. The peaceful vigil comes in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police. Floyd was the Minneapolis man whose death was caught on video, as a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck. The viral video has sparked protests and a call for change and an end to police brutality throughout the country.

About 400 people gathered along both sides of High Street and spanned almost a half mile. The demonstrators were mostly dressed in black and carried signs reading “Hate has no home here,” “Black Lives Matter,” “A System Cannot Fail Those It Was Not Designed to Protect,” and “White Silence = Violence.” Dedham residents of all ages and racial identities participated in the peaceful protest, including many families and children.

The Dedham protest was organized by members of the Anti-Racism Coalition of Dedham,
founded by Jayme Drzewinski, CailEn Campbell, Renee Johnson, Patricia Sánchez-Connally, and
Tracey Franklin. The group was formed just last week as a result of a Facebook post in a local mom’s group, which quickly gained traction. Over 400 Dedham residents have already joined the group and it is growing every day. One of the organizers, Patricia Sánchez-Connally, said “it is important that as a community we publicly and unequivocally denounce and condemn racism and any type of violence, specially violence that targets people of color.” Members of the group are sharing resources with one another and establishing a book group to discuss race,
systemic and individual racism, and white privilege.

The protest was carefully organized to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Organizers had consulted with Dedham Police Chief D’entremont in advance and made arrangements to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Sidewalks were marked in 10-12 feet increments,
so residents could space themselves out, and everyone wore masks.

At least two demonstrators carried signs with a quote by Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” The organizers welcome Dedham residents who are interested in combating racism in the community and within themselves to become involved by joining the Anti-Racism Coalition of Dedham Facebook group. In the coming days and weeks the organization plans to unveil a mission statement and begin acting on several ideas that have been suggested by group members.