LOVE OVER HATE
Hundreds show up for unity march in Princeton after hate march ‘hoax’
On a cold, crisp morning when a white supremacist group had threatened to churn Princeton into a molten mess of social upheaval, hundreds of protestors delivered a unified message — not here, not anymore — we’ve had enough.
Despite a Princeton Police update Friday night that an announced rally by The New Jersey European Heritage Association could be a hoax, peaceful protesters packed Palmer Square.
A strong police presence monitored action on Nassau St. where marchers congregated before they delivered numerous trips around Palmer Square.
Signs and chants delivered promises and protests that hate speak and white supremacy antics would be drowned out by slogans such as “Your hate can’t kill our love”, “Black Lives Matter” and “The People, United — Will Never Be Defeated”.
Only a small number of African Americans participated as the largely Caucasian crowd produced a raucous cry for equality. Many rallied against President Donald Trump although Dr. Cornel West, an American philosopher, political activist, social critic, author and former Princeton University professor said current national conditions extend beyond the presidency.
“This (social unrest) goes back to the founding of our country. Donald Trump is just a symptom. He’s the symptom but not the cause. But Trump’s still a gangster.”
West marched with daughter, Zeytun, a Princeton University freshman.
His arm remained wrapped around her shoulder as they made several loops around the Square.
Despite the Caucasian majority, Dr. West described the current state of local and national politics as a “a moral fight, man. This is a spiritual fight. This is s political fight,” West said.
“Anytime you fight against white supremacy, it doesn’t make a difference what color people are.”
Asked why a small number of African Americans showed for a fight that involves their well-being, West said, “Don’t worry about black folk, we’re going to kick in when we need to.”
Urban Pastor, Chaplain and activist, Rev. Karen HernandezGranzen of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, attended as a counter balance for hate.
“The message is love, must be love to offset any message of hate or people who forget that we all have been created in the image of God. I’m called here to be part of that message,” Hernandez-Granzen explained.
Trenton School Board President Gene Bouie expressed excitement about the large turnout and enthusiasm as he walked Palmer Square.
“I never imagined this many people would come out and voice their support for unity and equality. It’s beautiful,” Bouie said.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.