Throughout this week the world has laid witness to several protests of police brutality and systemic racism leading to the death of too many black men, women and in the transgender community. On Friday it was time for the town of Dumfries to let their voices be heard as a peaceful demonstration was held at Cecil W. Garrison Park. Hosted by Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson and Councilwoman Selonia Miles, it featured a host of inspirational speakers as well as several leaders from the community coming out in support.

What started as a steady gathering grew quickly into a wave of momentum as a host of young activists came to the park in marching formation from Route 1 South. It was a mixed congregation of different cultures and races, each holding up colorful displays of signs. Every sign spoke of a cry for justice, from the memory of Breonna Taylor (who would have been 27 on Friday) to George Floyd and others. These young leaders were accompanied by adults riding in on motorcycles. As the activists arrived, they shouted in unison ‘Black Lives Matter!’ to a thunderous applause of cheers from those already in attendance. It set the tone for the 90-minute rally.

There were two youth speakers there as well who spoke about the importance of educating their peers in order to infiltrate the system and create systemic change. Their purpose, to let them know that their voices must be heard as the future of the movement.

During the first spoken word piece, there was an 8 minute 46 second dedication to all of those who have lost their lives to racism and police brutality. The silence of the crowd was deafening as people either took a knee or raised their fist, even a young man who had a broken arm raised his cast in support. It was a sea of support in which all backgrounds were one, a beautiful scenery of honoring the fallen.

The Dumfries Police Department were present as part of the demonstration for solidarity. They participated in the moment of reflection by taking the knee alongside the supporters. In addition, they talked about the steps they are taking within the small Dumfries community to ensure a positive relationship between the police and its residents. 

Kristina Nohe, who gave a powerful speech on the importance of knowing the wisdom of such black leaders like Mansa Musa, brought the house down with a memorable quote: “We (America) don’t acknowledge black history because we erase it from their history.” During the demonstration, there were a group of young men and women holding up signs to passersby on Route 1, with drivers honking their horns and raising their fists. We spoke to one young man, Calvin Hargett, Jr. about why he felt the need to come out. “My mother didn’t think it was safe to raise a young black man in this environment,” Hargett Jr. told us. “So, I had to do something, not just for myself but for everyone who can’t speak anymore.”

Vice Mayor Nickerson invited the crowd to engage with many of the local leaders that were present in order to ensure that the community’s voices were heard, and to increase the power of their vote. Turn your head in any direction, and you would see an elected official speaking with an individual, answering questions while developing a rapport. We spoke with several of those leaders as the event continued. 

Councilwoman Cyndy A. Neville, one of the speakers at the event, talked with us afterwards about the need for Black America to finally be a part of the process. “America is long overdue for: addressing accountability, compassion, healing hate, bringing forth justice, inclusion, integrity in consequences, expressing empathy, complicity and reconciliation for what Black people have endured since being brought to her shores 400+ years ago,” said Neville. 

“In order to reconcile, we must begin with ‘uncomfortable’ conversations about race. I’d like to believe that our narrative is finally being heard, and that authentic conversations about the Black narrative are taking place. It’s the only way to dismantle the spiderweb of systematic racism against us, so we can be a part of the ‘inclusive we.'”

Councilwoman Miles spoke about the need to prepare the next generation to grow once the protests subside.

“For this to go forward we must continue to equip our children with the tools to succeed,” said Miles.

Potomac District Board of County Supervisor Andrea Bailey talked about the importance of bringing everyone together. “God has made us all one,” said Bailey, “and this is why I ran, to see the change happen for each of us.”

Qasim Rashid, who is running for Congressional District VA01, discussed how being at the demonstration carried a personal meaning to him. “This is my home,” said Rashid. “So much of what is going to take place is because of the young people in attendance today.”

As the second half of the demonstration began to take place, the activists who marched into the park began to get in formation and march towards Route 234. A multitude of songs were played as they took their passion to the streets for all to see and hear, from Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” to James Brown’s “Say It Loud.”

While they made their voices heard audibly, others did so with the stroke of a pen, as there was a voter registration table present at the event. As a result, upwards of 25 people became registered to vote as a result of the organizer’s efforts. One would see people such as Occoquan District Board of County Supervisor Kenny Boddye among those helping people register. 

Vice Mayor Nickerson ensured that those in attendance would not have to feel uncomfortable in the sweltering heat, making sure that people were hydrated and providing hand sanitizer to everyone in attendance with respect to what is currently going on with the pandemic. Despite reports of potential thunderstorms, the heavens didn’t open up until the very end of Reverend Cozy Bailey’s prayer, almost as if it was a confirmation of this event accomplishing its designed purpose, which it did to an incredible extent.

Afterwards we spoke with Idris O’ Connor, President of the PW Young Democrats, in which he discussed the necessary steps for the future. “I was glad to see a diverse crowd of young people from the Town of Dumfries and Prince William County coming together to remember the lives lost to police brutality,” said O’ Connor. “[They’re] connecting with our state and local officials, taking action by registering to vote and marching.”

He continued on. “We as a community have to keep the momentum going to change this country, this state and this nation in order to end systemic racism as well as police brutality in this country.”

Reverend Bailey provided what served as a synopsis for the nation and the local community. “A knee has been on our neck for 400 years,” said Bailey, “but now, change has come to Prince William County!”