Yesterday the McCoart Building hosted a unified voice of the black and brown communities as they came together for the Black Lives Matter rally in Woodbridge. Led by Aeshah Sheikh, in conjunction with CASA, it was an amalgamation of generational voices, all shouting “Black Lives Matter,” and “Si Se Puede.” A multitude of signs were present throughout the parking lot upon entering the facility. White flowers were handed out in honor of those who have lost their lives to systemic racism and police brutality.

As they marched around the entranceway of the building, they would call out the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others. Going into formation, a spectator would see an elderly woman walking next to a teenager, hand in hand, or a white family of four holding “BLM” signs. Coming out in support were Occoquan District Board of County Supervisor Kenny Boddye and Chairwoman Ann Wheeler. Both took the time to talk with the participants and listen to the pleas of change in the area.

Once the rally started, everyone congregated together and those who wanted to speak were given the opportunity to do so. They spoke of the injustices that have been happening all over the country, and in Prince William County. As one woman put it, “George Floyd is no longer here, so we have to be his voice!” The quote received a loud applause of support from everyone in attendance. Others came to speak as well, in both English and Spanish, with translators present to cry for justice. In addition to both the youth and adults addressing the crowd, there were speeches of abolishing the detestable 287(g) policy, which will be put to a vote. 

We had the opportunity to talk with several participants, and among them was an older gentleman named Clyde Forcer, who spoke to the crowd earlier. “I have several children and grandchildren, and I want to make a difference in their lives,” said Forcer, “and that’s why I’m here. I don’t want any of them, especially my granddaughters, to go through what Sandra Bland (in Texas) did.”

He goes on to explain with an analogy how this nation got to this current state of affairs. “This country was made on a central fabric, and that fabric has now been torn because of hate, and God is not about hate.”

“I want to see love; we all want to see love.”

As we continued the conversation, Mr. Forcer discusses in detail that those in power need to claim responsibility. “The blood is on the Democrats and Republicans for what has happened. We need to receive a calming voice from those on top, but also be able to address these issues without being at a fevered pitch. Let’s talk with one another instead of at each other.”

So how would he address the issue of police brutality? “I would like to sit with the Chief of Police and shake his hand. We can have a sit down and talk with him as well as listen. We need to be receptive.”

However, the rally was only the beginning, as the united voices entered the Atrium in preparation of the Board of County Supervisors meeting. With the building filled to capacity, those who were speaking out earlier took the time to listen to the BOCS as they made the historic proclamation that Black Lives Matter, which is a sharp contrast to their All Lives Matter proclamation made only two weeks ago. What was even more important was that it was voted upon unanimously by the BOCS. (Editor’s Note: Gainesville District Supervisor Pete Candland was not in attendance). As the announcement was made, voices rang up in the air in celebration. Time will determine if it was a mere gesture, but the recognition was a nod to those who have marched tirelessly for the cause.

During the public comments there were several voices, both young and old who spoke with passion, asking for those in power to take a deeper look at the issues and vote to create systemic change. Although there were moments in which Chairwoman Wheeler asked for decorum, the voices of Black Lives Matter continued to be heard, with cheers coming from the Atrium of the building during every word, and signs held high. There were also “Back the Blue,” signs held from those who were against defunding the police, signifying a division the remains to be solved.

As Sheikh stated during her presentation to the Board of County Supervisors “To make Prince William County a welcoming place that I can be proud of, along with everyone out there, to live. There’s a time and place for everything and I hope you understand that it’s time for us as a county not only to say Black Lives Matter, but to show it.”