As protests and violence rang out around the country over the weekend, a small, peaceful crowd gathered at Waban Park in Oak Bluffs Sunday morning to add their voices.
The diverse crowd of about 100 included year-round and seasonal residents, families with young children, teenagers, elected officials and senior citizens.
All wore masks, and some stood on the seawall near Inkwell Beach holding signs calling for peace, justice and a better world, in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis four days prior.
Individuals took turns with a bullhorn to address the crowd, calling out their frustration.
Cars honked their horns as they drove by. Bikers revved their motorcycle engines and held up fists in solidarity.
Someone with a guitar led the crowd in singing “We shall overcome.” Afterward, there was chanting.
“Enough is enough, watching it on television isn’t doing anything so I think coming together and writing to our elected leaders and donating to organizations that are going to help stop the violence is what we need to do,” said Sue Heckler Smith, a year-round resident.
“I think it’s important that we all speak up, and it’s very heartening to see that people on Martha’s Vineyard are speaking up,” said Stanley Nelson, a seasonal resident of Oak Bluffs.
“It’s important to me as a white person to show the black community that I’m here for them, I’m showing up for them, I’m going to work for them and I have their back. I want them to be encouraged there are white people who love black people, who aren’t racist,” said Carla Cooper, a year-round resident.
“There’s so much to say but there aren’t words,” said Janna O’Shaughnessy, a year-round resident.
Another peaceful protest is planned for Five Corners in Vineyard Haven late Monday afternoon.
More pictures from Sunday protest.
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