Talking with the Organizers of Friday’s Allies4Justice March in Hoboken

On Friday, June 5, people will be assembling at Maxwell Park in Hoboken in a show of support for the Movement for Black Lives. I reached out to Herrana A., a member of the core of local activists who are organizing the event. Here’s a slightly edited version of our exchange. Please join me Friday in solidarity with our allies, neighbors, and friends. 

Hoboken Local: First, what is and who are Allies 4 Justice? Are you based in Hoboken?

Herrana A. of Allies4Justice: Allies4Justice is coming together to provide a platform to uplift the voices of the Black community.  We are taking our role as allies and turning it into action. We are calling on all people of color to stand together and not remain silent. We will not and cannot stay silent. We are taking our stand and using our voice to help end violence against the Black community.

We believe that as allies, we can provide a platform for the Black community and help more organizers within New Jersey to continue this movement. Our goal is to show solidarity to our Black brothers and sisters and demand justice for the wrongful killing of George Floyd, and all the other black lives lost to the wrongful use of force by the police. We are a diverse group of individuals that believe allyship is important to social justice. We are alumni from Rutgers University, Montclair University and Kean University who were born and raised in Hudson County and neighboring counties.

HL: When did you first decide to organize this event? 

A4J: We started mobilizing once we found out about the murder of George Floyd. We wanted to use our access and ability to organize and create a space to have change for the Black community.

HL: Have Mayor Bhalla and the local police department been helpful in letting you organize this event? What sort of support have they offered?

A4J: Mayor Bhalla and the local police department have shown their solidarity by having an open dialogue with us and working with us to ensure a peaceful protest. They have answered all of our questions in a timely manner and have worked with us to map out the march route so there is minimum traffic with the community's and demonstrator's safety in mind.

HL: Do you have a specific list of demands with regards to changes law enforcement can make to stop targeting Black people and cracking down on people exercising their First-Amendment right to assemble?  

A4J: We are asking for systemic changes within police departments throughout NJ and nationwide. That systemic change can be in the form of transparency when reviewing police brutality cases, which means the implementation of [a Civilian Complaint Review Board] in every police department. There must be changes with the policing in schools and social service programs because it does not provide safe spaces for vulnerable populations. We will share other demands during our speech at the demonstration as well.

HL: Do you have a lineup of speakers for the rally?

A4J: Yes, we do have a lineup of speakers for the rally that vary from Black civil rights organizations to local residents, including Councilwoman Vanessa Falco. We have time allocated for speakers before and after our march.

HL: Where will we be marching after we assemble at Maxwell Place Park?

A4J: We will be marching from Maxwell Place Park to Pier A where we will finish the march by facilitating a Vigil honoring our Black brothers and sisters who have been victims of police brutality and systemic racism. We will be sharing a picture of the route on our Instagram page @Allies4Justice.

HL: Other than turning out on Friday, what more can people in Hoboken do to support your efforts?

A4J: We want Hoboken local activists to continue to have an open dialogue with us and support us in future advocacy events that we will hold whether it be virtually or physically throughout the state of NJ. We also encourage anyone who can not attend or want to further show solidarity to donate to local and national civil rights organizations. These organizations are at the forefront of the movement and the advocacy does not stop when demonstrations come to a close.