By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
A sit-in with a moment of silence to support Black Lives Matter will take place on Sunday, June 28.
The event was organized by Jocelyn Jackson and Hannah Demarco of North Attleborough, who worked with the Town Council, North Attleborough Police, and Town Manager Michael Borg. It will take place in the field outside North Attleborough Middle School at 2 p.m.
Jackson said the protest will include a sit-in for those who have lost their lives to police violence. Among the speakers will be Sam Osa Agbontaen, a recent NAHS graduate, Dakota Watkins—who spoke at a recent protest in Attleboro—and Town Councilor Darius Gregory. Jackson said the town government has been great to work with and credited their help in organizing the event, which will be held rain or shine.
“They’ve all been super cooperative,” she said. “I’m honestly so grateful for it. I know how controversial this is in North Attleborough.”
On June 3, Jackson and Demarco organized a Black Lives Matter protest march beginning at First Baptist Church and ending outside Town Hall. Nearly 100 people participated, holding signs and chanting “No justice, no peace” and “I can’t breathe,” along with the names Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Taylor was killed during a police raid of her home on March 13, and Floyd died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer.
Jackson said that a number of parents reached out following this protest, asking if more would be scheduled.
“They’ve said this is a good step for the community,” said Jackson. “We wanted to make the next one more inclusive.”
Town Council President Keith Lapointe said this weekend’s event was the result of a collaborative effort between Jackson, Demarco, the town government and the NAPD. He said the town has changed a lot in recent years and that opportunities to talk about these matters are important. Borg said he will make sure the town continues to support these efforts.
“I’m proud of the progress we continue to make,” said Lapointe.
