LYNN — Saturday’s “Prevent the Cycle” event in Lynn will try something different from other recent protests held in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Our goal at the end of this is to sit down with representatives or the police chief and see if we can come to a mutual understanding and get some change, because there is no excuse when there are community members willing to work within the systems that are working against us,” said the event’s founder, Brianna Castro.
Castro, 19, said she wanted to hold a community event aimed at presenting city officials with a clear-cut list of asks from Lynn residents.
Those who attend the event — to be held at six separate locations — will be asked to sign a petition detailing several demands, which include: For the Lynn Police to require all officers wear body cameras; for the Human Rights Commission to be fully staffed and functional; for the Human Rights Commission to be responsible for securing a diversity training program for all city employees and for that training to be mandatory; for legislation outlawing the chokehold; for mandatory medical aid for detainees; and for clear directives for officers when using deadly force.
In addition, Castro said she hopes to work with city officials to develop more inclusive school curriculums that also incorporate financial literacy courses.
“We want to incorporate black history, ethnic studies, activism, and advocacy into Lynn Public Schools, similar to KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate,” said Castro, who is herself a 2018 graduate
of the school. “KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate currently has ethnic studies and activism and advocacy (classes).”
Castro added that she hopes KIPP Academy’s modernized curriculum can serve as a blueprint for Lynn schools city-wide.
“I have the curriculum to share with the superintendent to see if we can maybe create a database similar to college libraries, but that would be located in the Lynn Public Library and could be accessed from computers within the schools,” she said. “I think their curriculum is very effective for the students, and I do think that needs to be the same across all boards, regardless of if it’s a public school or a charter school.
“These children deserve to learn about themselves, and they have the right to protect themselves in the workplace and in schools — wherever they go.”
“Prevent the Cycle” will be Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at six separate locations: Wyoma Square, Red Rock Park, Boston Street (near Stop & Shop), the Market Basket rotary, Central Square in Lynn, and Lynn City Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs written in their preferred languages.
“These protests need to continue happening because when people try expressing their demands in a calm manner, they’re pushed aside and they aren’t heard,” Castro said. “There’s power in numbers, and when you gather (together), they have no choice but to hear you.”