Youth lead March for Justice into Portsmouth

KITTERY, Maine – Former and current Traip Academy students organized and led the March for Justice on Saturday, bringing about 1,000 people out seeking a better answer.

“George Floyd – say his name,” said Toyin Augustus. His name rang through Market Square.

The march began at Traip, crossed Memorial Bridge to Strawberry Banke and ended at Market Square in Portsmouth.

Whitney Brooks of Dover said she expected a peaceful demonstration, unlike the one she took part in last Sunday in Boston, where she was tear gassed and pepper sprayed.

“I went to Boston and I went to Dover’s this week,” Brooks said. “I will be a voice for change. Most of my social media groups are predominantly white so I feel I can keep using my voice to get the message out. I do not delete people who disagree unless they are abusive. I think it is important to keep the conversation open. I think some of the people I have spoken with are coming around. Some are even asking what they can do.”

Emily Dalton of Dover was marching with Brooks. They carried a sign that said for every person who signed it, they will donate $1 to the Black Visions Collective.

“I have friends who have experienced racism,” Dalton said. “I am here because I never want them to think that I don’t stand with them, because I do.”

The march was hosted in partnership with Community Advocates For All and with the Protest in Honor of George Floyd, to be held in Portsmouth on Sunday.

Anna Bruning, who lives across the street from Traip Academy set up a table. It had signs for anyone who needed one, water, granola bars and free Twizzlers for the marchers.

“I want to do as much as I can to support this movement,” Bruning said. “This is long overdue. There has been systemic racism in this country for a long time and now it is something white American has to reckon with. I hope this impacts positive change.”

Jeremiah Dyson, 8, and his sister Nollie, 12, carried amazing signs their mom Mara said they spent most of the night on. The kids are students at Shapleigh and Mitchell schools in Kittery.

“This makes me mad,” Jeremiah said. “It’s not fair.

“I am pretty sad at what’s happening,” Nollie said. “I think we can make a difference.”

People met at the Traip parking lot or were invited to join in the march at any point along the way. Most were dressed in black and carried signs with messages such as “If you’re not livid; you are not listening.”

Kittery Police Chief Robert Richter said he supports the marchers. “There is no room for racism, here or anywhere, and not in our police departments,” Richter said. “I am saddened by what happened in Minneapolis. We are here to keep everyone safe. They all have a right to free speech and I do not expect any trouble.”

A car rally followed the march for those who did not feel comfortable or safe walking in the crowd.

“Will my white privilege be enough to shield my black child?” was a sign on Elissa Stewart’s car. The Kittery resident said she thinks her 16-year-old son Treshawn Brown is fairly safe on the Seacoast.”

“But I cannot keep him here forever,” Stewart said. “Eventually, he will need to go out in the world. I worry for him.”

There was opportunity for community conversations about racial justice, white privilege, white supremacy and steps forward when the marchers arrived at Market Square.

The Rev. Robert Thompson, president of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, and the Leftist Marching Band provided inspiration.

Thompson sang “We Shall Overcome,” and it was seconds before the crowd joined in. Most sat, filling Pleasant Street, while others kneeled and when the reverend started to sing, they danced, clapped and cheered.

“Is this moment different?” asked Thompson. “Something feels different. We are writing a new page and we demand justice.”

Thompson, who said he was born in 1954, the year of Brown v. The Board of Education, led the crowd in a loud chant of “justice, freedom, equality.”

“Have you ever had anyone come to your door because they think you robbed a neighbor? I have,” said Jackie Gadsen of Portsmouth.

All social distancing measures were adhered to from those who participated. People were asked to wear masks, gloves and to march six feet apart from others.