The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
NAACP marks date with silent protest
Commemorates 1917 march, calls for end to violence
NEW HAVEN » The Greater New Haven NAACP organized a silent protest from Dixwell Avenue to the city Green Saturday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of a silent, mass protest calling attention to violence against African-Americans.
The Silent Protest Parade was a mass protest held in New York City on July 28, 1917, to denounce violence against African-Americans.
One-hundred years later, as the local chapter celebrated its own 100th anniversary, NAACP Greater New Haven Branch President Doris J. Dumas said Saturday’s march echoed a similar sentiment, but with added attention to current issues affecting people of color.
“We’ve had a lot of advances and we’ve won a lot of battles, but there’re so many more battles to be won,” Dumas said. “There’re so many fights to be fought. Until we have equal justice and equality and access to the same opportunities and education advancement, we’re going to be marching.”
Just under 100 demonstrators made a short, muted trek from Dixwell Avenue to the city Green, where a much more vocal rally was held. Among the marchers was Police Chief Anthony Campbell; state Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven; and state Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven.
Campbell praised those in attendance and said he wants the community to continue keeping local officials accountable. Campbell evoked Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for unity: “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Leaders like Winfield and Porter provide bills ensuring accountability for people in authority, Campbell said.
“We’re in a very unique position in New Haven,” Campbell said. “There is a lot of black leadership that’s at the forefront, but a lot of you need to know that there’s a lot of black leadership that is working very hard behind the scenes to make sure justice prevails.”
New Haven Academy senior and Greater New Haven NAACP Youth Council president Kaleb Walton said during rally at the Green that young people marched for all communities “facing oppression,” including the immigrant community, LGBTQ community members and Muslims.
Walton said young people marched to “end the list of names” of young people like Tyriek Keyes who were victims of violence. Walton referenced Tyriek, a 14-year-old who was fatally shot on Bassett Street on July 16, and other young victims of violence in the city.
“[We] march for access to jobs that provide a living wage and opportunities to start our own business, “Walton said. “We march for an end to white supremacy and institutionalized racism that steals opportunity from too many (unprivileged) others without merit.”
Quinnipiac University professor Khalilah BrownDean stressed the importance of voting, especially during a time when states have been accused of limiting voting rights for people of color. African-Americans fought for the right to vote, which only makes the right more valuable, Brown-Dean said.
“Every vote matters in this country,” Brown-Dean said.
Brown-Dean criticized President Trump’s comments on police use of force this week, adding that whether or not someone “wears blue,” the community must work together. She urged everyone to stay committed to the community, so that future generations won’t need to continue marches to “affirm our most basic rights as American citizens.”
“Instead of being woke, be focused,” Brown-Dean said. “Instead of staying woke, stay vigilant.”