SAUGUS — Another protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement will take place Saturday at noon in Saugus Center.
Organized by Saugus Selectman Anthony Cogliano and resident Danielle Jones, the event comes two days after a group of local youths held their own demonstration — controversial for some of its participants’ views regarding police — in front of Saugus Town Hall.
“It’s extremely important that we recognize the racial tensions and social injustices that have been happening around the world and right here in the town of Saugus,” Jones said of her reason for hosting the rally. “It’s clear many residents don’t understand that people of color experience discrimination on a daily basis. You’ll hear the masses say that’s not true, but that’s due to lack of knowledge or simply choosing to turn a blind eye.”
Cogliano and Jones originally planned to host a “unity rally” in collaboration with the young organizers of Thursday’s protest, but ultimately called off their involvement because the two did not agree with what they referred to as “anti-police” sentiments shared online by some affiliated with the Black Lives Matter demonstration.
“I couldn’t agree with that division as I believed the most important part of this protest was to unite,” Jones said in a Tuesday interview with the Item. “It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to work together, but I could not have my name attached to something that would cause more division in this town.”
Jones later added that although she didn’t agree with certain signs seen at Thursday’s protest, she wanted to praise the students who helped make it happen.
“Those kids did a great job,” she said.
Saturday’s march will begin at Anna Parker playground on Essex Street and make its way to Town Hall.
Once demonstrators arrive in Saugus Center, there will be speeches and an eight minute, 46 second-long moment of silence when protestors will kneel in memory of George Floyd and others killed by police brutality.
“People of color experience discrimination in many forms every day in this town – we believe it is time for our neighbors to step back and educate themselves on this topic to create a safe, more inclusive home for everyone,” a Facebook page for the event reads. “The goal of this march is to work on policy changes within the local government level.”
All participants are encouraged to wear face masks and have been asked to wear black and bring their own signs.
