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Many brands are speaking out against racial injustice -- but not all of them are donating to the cause.

The killing of George Floyd last month while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers has set off a wave of protests and dialogue on racial injustice that has continued unabated for weeks. And many corporations, big and small, have joined the conversation, issuing statements vowing to stand with the Black Lives Matter movement. Some tech behemoths -- like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and others -- have followed up on their supportive words with major donation pledges, too. Other companies have yet to put their money where their mouth is.

Below, we've rounded up major companies, from big box retailers to clothing stores, game publishers, fast food chains and more, that are giving substantial donations in the fight against racial injustice and systemic oppression. They're giving to organizations that include the American Civil Liberties Union, NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Equal Justice Initiative, among others helping to create change.

In addition to joining local protests, signing petitions anddonating time and money, the ability to "vote with your wallet" -- to patronize companies that are making substantive donations -- is another way to support the cause of equal justice.

Please note, however, that this list doesn't address any accusations of discrimination by various companies that have cropped up in media reports and social media in recent days as well. CNET encourages you to spend some time researching the companies you buy from to ensure they align with your values and ethics.

Many of the large tech companies in the US have donated substantial sums to the cause. Google has committed $12 million, while both Facebook and Amazon are donating $10 million to various groups that fight against racial injustice. Apple is pledging a whopping $100 million for a new Racial Equity and Justice Initiative that will "challenge the systemic barriers to opportunity and dignity that exist for communities of color, and particularly for the black community," according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Check out CNET's guide to learn more about how tech companies are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

Walmart announced that it will contribute $100 million over five years to create a new center for racial equity. In an email to Walmart employees, CEO Doug McMillan said the center "will seek to advance economic opportunity and healthier living, including issues surrounding the social determinants of health, strengthening workforce development and related educational systems, and support criminal justice reform with an emphasis on examining barriers to opportunity faced by those exiting the system."

Target announced a $10 million commitment in an effort to advance social justice through supporting partners like the National Urban League and the African American Leadership Forum. The brand also committed 10,000 hours of pro-bono consulting for small business in the Twin Cities that are black-owned or owned by people of color.

Home Depot CEO Craig Menear announced a $1 million donation to the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in a statement released on the company website. In the letter, Menear also said the company will work for change internally, "I have begun working with our associate resource groups to facilitate internal town halls to share experiences and create better understanding among us all," he said. "We are dedicated to supporting you and our communities during this time with the goal of emerging more united than ever."

EA announced a $1 million donation to improve racial equality, starting with donations to the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. The brand says it will donate to more partners in the future.

In a tweet earlier this month, Square Enix announced a $250,000 donation in addition to matching employee donations to the Black Lives Matter organization and other charities.

Gaming companyUbisoft tweeted that the company will donate $100,000 to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter organization and encouraged others to donate.

Etsy announced a total contribution of $1 million in an Instagram post. The company is donating $500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative and $500,000 to the Borealis Philanthropy's Black-Led Movement Fund and will be matching employee donations.

Clothing retailer H&M is pledging $500,000 across three different organizations, according to an Instagram post by the brand. The groups are the NAACP, ACLU and Color of Change.

San Francisco-based clothing company Everlane announced two $75,000 donations to the Equal Justice Initiative and the ACLU in a recent Instagram post. Everlane employees also compiled a shared document with educational resources on how to take action and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Toms Shoes announced a pledge to donate $100,000 over the next several months to organizations that support the movement.

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(1/2) #GeorgeFloyd, #BreonnaTaylor, #AhmaudArbery, #TonyMcDade and countless others. We will not forget them, and we know that we need to be part of the change. Over the next three months, we are donating $100,000 to organizations that are working to combat racial injustice, starting with a donation to Black Lives Matter (@blklivesmatter). We will also continue to listen, learn, and act. Join us.

A post shared by TOMS (@toms) on Jun 1, 2020 at 6:41pm PDT

Women's lingerie brand Spanx announced a $200,000 commitment on Instagram. In the post, Spanx said, "We are donating $100,000 across national organizations focused on combating racial injustice: Black Lives Matter, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and The Minnesota Freedom Fund. In addition, we are committed to donating an additional $100,000 to organizations in our own home of Atlanta."

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"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. Desmond Tutu At Spanx, we always aim to be a source of bright light and positivity in this world. Today, we cannot ignore the injustices and darkness of our outside world. We are overwhelmed with sadness, frustration, heartbreak and anger over recent events. We want you to know that though you see us as a brand, we are made up of real people who care deeply about the justice and equality of everyone. We share your outrage and sorrow over the injustices that led to the tragic loss of the life of George Floyd, along with Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and so many more. Its time to not only stand up for what's right and speak out against racism, but to take action. We know that its in all of our hands to create a better world. Today, were using our social platforms to reiterate that we are committed to being a better ally to fight systemic racism. We will actively practice anti-racism through awareness and education, self-introspection and action. We are calling leaders, we are signing petitions, we are spreading ways to take action but there is so much more that can still be done. We are donating $100,000 across national organizations focused on combating racial injustice: Black Lives Matter, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and The Minnesota Freedom Fund. In addition, we are committed to donating an additional $100,000 to organizations in our own home of Atlanta. To be an ally is to speak out against injustice and to be ears to listen to the POC experience. To be an ally to us means having a heart for empathy for the oppressed and a hand to make change. The time for silence is over. Its time to learn, to grow, to change. #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd #AntiRacism Art/Image Credit: @quotesbychristie

A post shared by SPANX by @SaraBlakely (@spanx) on May 31, 2020 at 5:00pm PDT

Levis is donating $200,000 to the movement; $100,000 to the ACLU and $100,000 in grants to Live Free USA, an organization working to end mass incarceration.

Gap brands pledged a total of $250,000 in donations to the NAACP andEmbrace Raceon behalf of the brand that includes Athleta, Old Navy and Gap.

Eyewear manufacturer Warby Parker committed $1 million to fight systemic racism, although the brand didn't disclose which organizations it will give to.

Athletic wear brand Lululemon originally announced a $100,000donation to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, but due to an abundance of donations, "we have been asked to channel our resources into other foundations standing for change. We contributed a total of $250,000 to local Minneapolis organizations Rebuild Lake Street and Friends of Hennepin County Library (East Lake Library), as well as national organizations NAACP, Black Lives Matter and Reclaim the Block."

Nike promisesto donate $40 million over the course of four years to social justice organizations that support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Fast-food giant McDonalds is committing $1 million to the NAACP and the National Urban League, according to Business Insider.

Wendy's pledged a $500,000 donation "to support social justice, the youth and education in the black community starting with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund."

Coca-Cola released a statement titled "Where we stand on social justice," and committed $2.5 million in grants from Coca Cola foundation to the NAACP, Equal Justice Initiative, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Honest Beauty, the beauty brand founded by Jessica Alba, pledged $100,000 in donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Equal Justice Initiative.

Anastasia Beauty is pledging $1 million to various organizations, writing in anInstagram post, "This weekend, we began with a donation of $100,000 across the following organizations: Black Lives Matter, The Innocence Project, The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Black Visions Collective, and The Marshall Project."

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Anastasia Beverly Hills stands in solidarity with the Black community. We are pledging 1 million dollars towards the fight against systematic racism, oppression, and injustice. This weekend, we began with a donation of $100,000 across the following organizations: Black Lives Matter, The Innocence Project, The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Black Visions Collective, and The Marshall Project. We are taking the time internally to discuss new initiatives that will financially support Black owned businesses and artists in the beauty industry. When the details have been finalized, we will announce the process for submission or nomination, and we will update you monthly on recipients. We vow to remain constant and vocal supporters of equality. We vow to use our platform and our privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized groups that deserve to be heard. Thank you to our community for being a continued source of inspiration and accountability. #BlackLivesMatter

A post shared by Anastasia Beverly Hills (@anastasiabeverlyhills) on Jun 1, 2020 at 12:45pm PDT

Beauty brand Glossier plans to donate $500,000 to organizations that are "focused on combating racial injustice," and will donate an additional $500,000 in grants to black-owned beauty brands.

Health care giant, UnitedHealth Group announced a $10 million commitment to support George Floyd's children, and Minnesota businesses impacted by civil unrest. UnitedHealth is giving $5 million to the YMCA Equity Innovation Center of Excellence. UnitedHealth employs 20,000 people in Minnesota and is headquartered outside of Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed.

Whoop announced a $20,000 donation to the Equal Justice Initiative in an announcement by CEO Will Ahmed on Instagram that outlined other ways the fitness tracker company will work to improve diversity and promote racial justice.

Peloton announced a $500,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in a social media post that encouraged others to donate and contribute to the Black Lives Matter cause.

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These are the major brands donating to the Black Lives Matter movement - CNET

Governor Gina Raimondo, who showed up at the State House rally around 9:15 p.m., encouraged the crowd to stay peaceful, promised to work for change, and asked them to join her in prayer. Some hecklers booed and yelled, Do something. Someone yelled, How does it feel not to be listened to? And when someone asked her if she would still be there when they started getting shot, she replied, No one is going to shoot you for being peaceful.

The rally was held to protest the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes while he was being detained.

The protest, led by students from Providences Central High School and Veterans Memorial High School in Warwick, was more than double the size of the Black Lives Matter rally held last Saturday.

That wasnt the only difference between then and now.

On this night, they marched from Central High School past the barricaded Public Safety Complex and past downtown buildings that had been boarded up after looters hit them late Monday night. The crowd packed the area outside City Hall and marched up Francis Street, chanting as they walked past the Providence Place mall, which also had been looted on Monday night and was now guarded by armed members of the National Guard and Humvees parked at the entrances.

Providence police stood in clusters along the streets, state troopers stood watch on the State House steps with Guard members, and a helicopter from the Massachusetts State Police slowly circled overhead.

This was the heaviest police presence for a rally -- about 145 troopers, 170 to 200 Providence police, 200 National Guard, 30 sheriffs deputies, and 25 Capitol police on hand.

Some of those boarded-up windows had been painted over with murals honoring Black Lives Matter and Black people who suffered from police brutality.

This is the generation that has been robbed by COVID-19 of its graduations, proms, and regular school events. . So thousands of young people came out Friday to take their cause back, bringing an energy that the city hasnt felt for months since the coronavirus shutdowns.

I feel like this whole movement -- the racial injustice -- has gone too far. We need to take over, said 19-year-old Destiny Monteiro, who is Cape Verdean and lives in Pawtucket. Its unfair to all of us, especially those coming here to make a better life. Other people dont realize, its our daily life. People are still being profiled. People are still losing their lives.

Several hundred people remained at the State House past the 9 p.m. curfew, booing as the State Police told them to leave. They remained in place, holding a moment of silence for several minutes, the amount of time it took Floyd to die.

Raimondo appeared with her husband, Andy Moffitt, and National Guard Adjutant General Christopher Callahan after she had called State Police Superintendent James Manni to ask if it would help if she came down to talk with the protesters. He and Callahan both said yes; later Manni said her words helped de-escalate the situation, despite the heckling.

Some left the State House and marched to City Hall, then around downtown and up into Federal Hill, while others remained on the State House steps more than an hour past curfew. The State Police ultimately left them alone. Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements Jr. and Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Pare said that as long as the protesters were peaceful, they did not intend to enforce the curfew.

The marchers walked down Broadway, past the convention center. At times the crowd was agitated and yelling, the scene chaotic. At one point a scuffle broke out, which led to at least one arrest.

Eventually the protesters moved to Kennedy Plaza where the protest ended just after 11 p.m.

Throughout the late afternoon, the protest was largely peaceful.

Demonstrators chanted George Floyds name and took a knee by the thousands. They sang Happy Birthday to Breonna Taylor, a Black woman fatally shot by Louisville, Ky., police who were executing a no-knock warrant on March 13. Friday would have been her 27th birthday. They raised their fists as a 14-year-old girl shouted through a megaphone, We bleed the same blood. Raise our fists in unity. We pray for peace to stop the violence.

They demanded to know where their political leaders were. You want to speak about our pain, but you dont want to share it with us, said one of the teen speakers.

The Shabani family, immigrants from the Congo living in Providence, marveled at the scene. This is empowering, said 18-year-old Marie Shabani, standing with her mother, Aline, and brothers Popio, 16, Venance, 14, and Emile, 10. In Congo, we cant do this [protest], because you would be shot. This is unlike anything we ever experienced.

Doctors, nurses, and health officials, including Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, joined the teenagers in their protest. Providence resident Denisha Gibson, a dental hygienist at Thundermist Health Center, said she and her fellow employees had taken a knee while at work to support the cause. I am African-American, and Im tired of racism. I want it to stop, she said.

The movement was worldwide, said Nerea Paris, 16, an exchange student from Spain, with Chloe Probst, 17, an exchange student from Switzerland, who are both studying at Chariho High School. I think its important to speak what we think, said Probst.

Earnest pleas for change and stories of racism drew empathy from the crowd.

A Providence firefighter, Terrell Paci, spoke emotionally about being racially profiled by two Providence police officers as he sat, in uniform, inside a friends car outside the Messer Street station. The officers, with guns drawn, started yelling about a gun, and searched his side of the vehicle.

Paci said he kept saying that he was a firefighter: Im PFD. Im one of you. Dont shoot. But he said the officers never asked him for an ID.

Paci said although he received an apology from police officials, he has not heard from the officers involved. Firefighter union president Derek Silva later tweeted that the union stands by Paci and while we value our working relationship with the Providence police, and know that there are many officers working to change police culture, this incident proves that there is more work to be done.

Throughout the rally, the protesters shouted for the state police and National Guard to take a knee.

State trooper Roupen Bastajia, standing on the State House steps facing the crowd, knelt to cheers from the teens. He said he knelt to show the protests that he believes Black Lives do matter.

We shouldnt have injustice, Bastajia said.

The young men standing next to him thanked him, and one pointed to Bastajias state police emblem on his bulletproof vest. This doesnt mean hes racist, the young man said to another teen next to him.

Thank you, Bastajia said. And the young men had a moment, talking with the troopers, as people behind them chanted and shouted, some holding anti-police signs. The young men complained about leadership and injustice, and the trooper told them that was why they needed to vote and make their voices heard.

Nelson Baptista, 27, a Cape Verdean man living in Providence, admitted hed been leery about coming to the protest, worried that it could become violent.

But this was peaceful, and it felt like a moment in history, Baptista said. It made him think about the future.

He didnt have a child yet, but he hoped things would change, because I dont want my child to go through this.

Dan McGowan and Edward Fitzpatrick of the Globe Staff contributed to this report.

Amanda Milkovits can be reached at amanda.milkovits@globe.com

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Protest for Black Lives Matter in Providence is massive -- and peaceful - The Boston Globe

Moab Sixteen-year-old Ash Howe stood in front of hundreds of protesters Friday evening in Moab, talking through a megaphone.

Im not a public speaker, and I didnt plan to be up here he said, before launching into a passionate speech about racism and police violence that drew cheers from his fellow protesters.

I am here alongside my brothers and sisters who were killed, he told the crowd, and I will not stop standing until they stop being killed for their skin color. I believe it's important for all of us to take that stand now and always.

Howe, who started a Moab chapter of Black Lives Matter earlier this week, told The Salt Lake Tribune he was impressed with the more than 400 people who showed up in the 5,300-person desert town to march against police brutality, despite bouts of rain, lightning and lashing wind.

Its really good to see the awareness thats coming about in our community, Howe said. I may be white, but Im a gay trans man, and I think its important to stand with other minorities, especially in a time like this.

While thousands of protesters have continued to flood the streets of Salt Lake City each night this week, prompting Gov. Gary Herbert to activate the National Guard, smaller marches have also spread through communities in the southern part of the state.

Dozens of protesters gathered on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City Sunday.

In the 4,800-person town of Kanab, around 100 people marched down the sidewalks Thursday morning holding signs and chanting, No justice, no peace!

Over 800 protestes lay down in the streets of St. George on Thursday evening for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck of George Floyd, whose killing on Memorial Day has sparked protests worldwide. A similar vigil was held in Moab on Friday.

Like Howe, organizers at all of these events expressed surprise at the size of the turnout in southern Utah towns known more for their nearby national parks than for their anti-racist activism.

This new growth, new blood in the movement, is amazing, Troy Anderson, the head of the southern Utah chapter of Black Lives Matter, told St. George News during Thursdays protest. Im very happy with the turnout.

Ed Moss, a photographer who organized the Kanab event, said he texted a few friends earlier in the week and expected maybe ten people would show up to have a conversation about racism and police violence.

I was blown away, Moss said. It was ten times what I expected.

According to the 2010 census, Kanab is more than 96% white and Moss, a white man, noted the protest mostly matched the towns demographics.

This town is not diverse at all, Moss said, adding he believes it is important for people of European descent to have conversations about the deeply rooted racism issues in this country and how they run back before its founding and how things must change.

Moss spoke about those issues at the rally, quoting the South African anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu: If you are neutral in situations of injustice, then you have chosen the side of the oppressor.

The Moab crowd was predominantly young and white but more diverse than the Kanab protest. Desarie Miller, a young woman of color, spoke briefly alongside Howe and others before the march.

This is not a space for non-people of color to express how they're affected by the way black people find their liberation, she said. White allies who have listened to the oppressed, who have held space for the most marginalized and echoed their voices: we see all of you, we stand with you hand-in-hand while we dismantle this system.

The Moab protest built in numbers throughout the evening as protesters marched through city blocks, chanting slogans used in protests across the country, including the names of black people slain by police, and carrying Black Lives Matter signs and banners.

Many people had signs noting that Friday would have been the 27th birthday of Breona Taylor, a black emergency room technician who was shot eight times by police inside her own home in March in Louisville, Ky.

Even after the wind picked up, snapping large tree limbs, blowing down road barricades and filling protesters eyes with dust, the crowd continued marching, at one point stretching out over three city blocks.

As dusk fell, protesters completely blocked Main Street for 30 minutes before voluntarily moving to a side road. Moab City Police and Utah Highway Patrol diverted traffic around the march but did not confront protesters.

John, a Nicaraguan man living in Moab who declined to give his last name, said he came out to the protest because hed experienced racial profiling by police in other cities in the past.

Police brutality is real, he said.

Humjune Geo, a 26-year-old Moab resident who helped carry a giant Black Lives Matter banner throughout the event, said, This isn't about politics. This is just basic human rights.

A black woman passing the protest got out of her car to thank those who were marching down Main Street.

In St. George and Kanab, protesters reported being met with honks of solidarity from passing vehicles, but also opposition, with diesel pickup trucks rolling coal intentionally spewing thick exhaust near the crowd and shouting words of support for President Donald Trump.

All three events were mostly peaceful, though a 41-year-old woman in St. George was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on a juvenile protester Thursday night and was released on $5,000 bail Friday. Initial social media reports that the woman was wearing a swastika symbol and that the protester was a person of color could not be confirmed.

Another protest is planned Saturday in St. George.

Zak Podmore is a Report for America corps member and writes about conflict and change in San Juan County for The Salt Lake Tribune. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by clicking here.

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Black Lives Matter protests spread to southern Utah communities of Moab, Kanab, St. George - Salt Lake Tribune

A crowd of more than 1,000 people went through Bristol Borough as part of a planned march againstracism, police brutality, and prejudice.

By 10 a.m. Saturday, hundreds gathered at the Bristol Borough Train Station where face masks, water, and sweets were handed out in advance of the march. A pastor spoke and organizers warmed the crowd up with dances and short remarks.

In sticky 85-degree weather and below sunny skies, theBlack Lives Matter Unified Peace Walk stepped off around 11 a.m. and marched through the borough, heading to the Harriet Tubman statue along the waterfront.

The marchers chanted Black Lives Matter, No Justice; No Peace, and I cant breathe as they went on their way. Neighbors handed out water bottles and drinks while showing solidarity with the large group along the route. Police led the way along with march organizers.

On Buckley Street, the group stopped for a short time.

The names of people of color who were killed by police were read through a microphone.

Say their name! a speaker yelled.

Once again we cant breathe. We cant breathe, man. We cant live. Let us see the fruits of our ancestor tree, she said.

The march continued to Bath Street and gathered for a short time at the corner of Mill Street and Old Route 13 for a short speech. One woman thanked the police for being there and read the Bristol Township Police Departments mission statement back to them.

It is the mission of the Bristol Township Police Department to serve all people with respect and integrity, while enhancing their quality of life. The department is committed to service through efficient and effective policing by working in partnership with the community, and in accordance with constitutional rights, to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear, and provide for a safe environment, she said, asking the officers to remember that message.

Bristol Borough and Bristol Township officers walked with the large crowd. Some officers were handed water by marchers and struck up conversations. A number of marchers were already friendly with local police and greeted the officers they knew.

Law enforcement from around the Levittown-area and the Bucks County Major Incident Response Team were on hand to provide traffic control and extra security. A New Jersey State Police boat hung near the waterfront during the event.

While the march was packed, many wore face masks and attempted to keep distance from others amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The march went on Mill Street and through the Mill Street Parking Lot before a short rally outside of theHarriet Tubman statue.

I challenge all of you to look around the room. That is the story of someone next to you that feels unheard. Not only in the courtroom, but in the classroom and at the basketball game and when they get stopped by the cops,saidBrittany McClain, of theFreedom Neighborhood One Community Center in Bristol Township.

You are enough, she told the crowd.

James Evans, the pastor at Norton Avenue First Baptist Church in Bristol Township, passionately told the group that a tsunami of justice, peace, home, and righteous is coming. He urged the crowd to unite.

George Floyd died so that we can stand.George Floyd died so we can make a difference in our community, he exclaimed.

Weve come too far, Evans chanted.

Louise Davis, who is a descendant of Harriet Tubman, read a poet at the rally. She said she was thrilled with the size of the crowd and their message at the moment.

Morris Derry, the founder of nonprofit No More Pain and one of the event organizers, led the crowd as they took a knee to mark Floyds death at the hands of Minneapolis police. In the large group of people, officers from Bristol Borough and Bristol Borough were spotted taking a knee with the marchers.

There was more people here than we expected, said Jamal Evans, Pastor Evans son and a leader of the march.

The past few weeks have made Jamal Evans frustrated and angry over Floyds killing and the violent reaction in some cities. He said recent events spurred him to move past talking and to inspire change.

I felt this would be perfect for brown and black communities, said Keevon Johnson, who helped lead the event.

After the march,McClain said recent events have shown a lack empathy and retraumatized people already suffering, adding that the crowd and support in Bristol Borough was impressive.

After tomorrow where do we go from here? We cant go back where we came from. Pastor Evans said.

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'Say Their Name:' Community Joins Together For Black Lives Matter Unified Peace Walk - levittownnow.com

Hundreds marched in Sayreville on June 6, 2020 for a Black Lives Matter rally. Bridgewater Courier News

SAYREVILLE- More than 300 people made their way to the borough municipal building Saturday afternoon for a Black Lives Matter rally organized by three Sayreville War Memorial High School graduates.

The former students, who are all people of color, said they organized the event to raise awareness about the struggles of African Americans in Sayreville, New Jersey and America as a whole.

"This is important in this town specifically because we feel that growing up in this town, being black students and being black residents, we had to remain silent for things that mattered to us," said Kiera Brown, 20, an organizer of the event. "We can't express how we feel or anything like that because it's a predominantly white town. We feel that we don't have a voice in this town."

Erene Olson, left, Jasmine Ali, Aaliyah Wideman and Kiera Brown, who organized the Sayreville Black Lives Matter rally.(Photo: Nick Muscavage/MyCentralJersey)

Brown, along with co-organizers Aaliyah Wideman, 20,and Erene Olson, 20, said the goal of Saturday's rally was to convey how African Americans feel in Sayreville and to pay homage to those who died because of police brutality.

Aaliyah said Black History Month at Sayreville War Memorial High School was brushed off. She said the black history curriculum basicallyboiled down to only watching the film "My Friend Martin".

"If we can talk in school about American history, then we can talk in school about black history, as well," she said.

Brown said teaching black history is especially important to African Americans in predominantly white towns "because it motivates us, it drives us, and lets us know we can be something in life."

The event drew people of all ages, ethnicityand background, including clergymen, first responders, families with small children andlocal and state elected officials.

A voter registration booth was situated next a table with information on black history education andbracelets that said, Black Lives Matter.

A Sayreville police officer, Lt. James Novak, picked up a bracelet and put it around his wrist.

Hundreds came out to the Sayreville Black Lives Matter rally on June 6, 2020.(Photo: Nick Muscavage/MyCentralJersey)

Novak, who the organizers said played a role in planning the event, said that the message of today is change.

I vow to you, every day, that I will be the example for everyone who wears what I wear, he said.

Before the hundreds marched peacefully down MacAuthur Avenue, Main Street and Dolan Street, several speakers spoke to the crowd.

Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick commended the three women for organizing the event and said that the troves of people came together on Saturday because we cannot unsee the images of George Floyd.

Today we stand together because we cannot unhear his voice: I cant breathe, she said. I am here with you because I cannot, and we cannot, stand idly by. We must intervene, we must interfere.

Kilpatrick said Sayreville is committed to treating everyone equally, to empowering the most marginalized, to listening to the most vulnerable.

It is time to stand up to systemic racism, she said.

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Newly appointed Councilman Vincent Conti also spoke at the rally and said, as public safety liaison, he listen to the communitys needs, concerns and ideas for change.

I want to help, he said.

He said that the death of George Floyd was a disgusting, unconscionable act.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said that the death of Floyd broke the sacred trust of the nation.

He also said that the officers who killed Floyd are not representative of every police officer.

When an officer does what we saw in Minnesota, it offends all of the officers who we entrust with these great duties and great challenges, he said. It makes their job so much harder.

An activist with a sign at the Sayreville Black Lives Matter rally on June 6, 2020.(Photo: Nick Muscavage/MyCentralJersey)

He also said we cannot forget those who died at the hands of the police so that we can strive for a better tomorrow.

The Rev. Joseph Oniyama, of Calvary Baptist Church in East Orange, said that the promises of politicians listening is a good step forward, but directly asked the elected officials, What are you going to do now to make sure that we will never forget?

Im not asking for the mayor to step down and have a person of color replace her, he said. What Im asking you to do is look at your structure, see how many people of color are in positions in politics to make sure that when you write your laws that impact all of us we have a seat the table.

An activist with a sign at the Sayreville Black Lives Matter rally on June 6, 2020.(Photo: Nick Muscavage/MyCentralJersey)

He said that the words never forget after Floyds death are not etched in stone but etched into our hearts because they have left an indelible mark on the consciousness of this nation.

Jasmine Ali, another former student of Sayreville War Memorial High School, said she had to teach herself about racial inequality because the lessons at her school were inadequate and unacceptable.

It has become known to me that a lot of people in Sayreville went on to not choose to educate themselves on these issues, she said. They chose the more comfortable route on themselves: to pretend that it isnt happening.

READ: Sayreville taps replacement for former council member

Ali, who is pursuing a career in education, vowed that she will someday do better for her students.

"I've seen too many of my fellow Americans acting like what is going on today is completely new," she said, "when in fact it is something that has been happening and is the same thing Martin Luther King pushed for in his day."

Brown, one of the organizers, said that in a town like Sayreville, the reception of a message like Black Lives Matter may be mixed. Some will agree,and others may ignore it.

"But we're going to be heard either way," she said.

Email: ngmuscavage@gannettnj.com

Nick Muscavage is a watchdog reporter for the Courier News, Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to his investigative work that has exposed wrongdoing and changed state law, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

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'We're going to be heard either way': Sayreville Black Lives Matter march draws hundreds - My Central Jersey