Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, June 19, 2020 Counter-protestors and protestors unite, despite differences of opinion By Tara Vocino B eeping cars passed by as Saugus High School students and alumnae spoke out against racial injustice on the common last Thursday afternoon. The protest revolved around the fact that on May 25 George Floyd, a 46-year-old AfricanAmerican man, was killed in Minnesota during an arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis Police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.” Floyd’s death triggered demonstrations and protests in many towns, including Saugus, against what some describe as police brutality, police racism and lack of police accountability. In between speeches, a few people held signs, some in support of police, and others against racism/police brutality, and some uniting, among their differences. Although on seemingly opposite signs, protester Sophie Leray came over to tell Dan Hegarty, who is propolice, that not all police are bad apples. Others held signs with messages, such as “Protect black lives,” “Say his name, George Floyd,” “Wake up Saugus” and “Times they are a changing.” One group shouted, “Hands up,” while on the other side of Central Street protesters responded with “Don’t shoot.” Saugus High School alumnae Hayden Costa – holding a poster of 100 black/brown people killed stemming from racism – and Sophie Leray, who is holding a poster representing alleged racial profiling victim George Floyd and an officer kneeling on his neck. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) “SAY HIS NAME: GEORGE PERRY FLOYD JR. 10/14/73-5/25/20” reflects George Floyd’s death. Antonia Turilli said Saugus can do better. Outgoing Saugus High School senior Shammah Moise plans to attend Howard University, which is historically black. Yamarilis Mercado, Shaun Way and Kiara Morfa hold a sign stating the MLK quote “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; Only love can do that” and “BLACK LIVES MATTER!” Saugus police officers kept the peace.
13 Publizr Home