Black Lives Matter in Teaneck-11/8/2020

The Black Lives Matter Fist. Photo courtesy of Amazon.

The "Welcome to Teaneck" sign. Photo courtesy of fairtradecampaigns.org. 

This afternoon, I went to a Black Lives Matter event across from the Richard Rodda Community Center. I came to honor some lives who were lost to police brutality against being black or the coronavirus. It was an honor to support those lives and the Teaneck community that Sunday afternoon. My mother, Valerie Johnson, Dean of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Minister of Christian International Church, and longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Bergen County Alumnae Chapter, honored Pastor Phillip Riddick who died from the coronavirus. Pastor Phil was a good man, a loving husband, and a dedicated father to four children. It was rough losing him, but he's in a better place, and his family is very much loved. May he rest in peace. Mom also honored Teaneck resident Janice Preschel. Ms. Preschel founded the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Teaneck. I didn't know her, but I'm sure she was a great friend to the Teaneck populace. May she rest in peace. 

Mr. Scott Pleasants presented a poem called "When Dreams Come True" with references to black victims of racial injustice, such as George Floyd or Trayvon Martin. Odein Karibi White also gave a poem, this one being about not waiting for change for black people. Mr. Reginald Pittman of the Reggie Pittman/Loren Daniels Quartet gave an oral and trumpet rendition of Bobby Timmons' "Moanin'". I chimed in with the others by singing an alto version of "black lives" when signaled, and I got that the song was used for us to preach about our frustration with the unfair racism against black people. 

It was a good event to support fellow blacks and Teaneck residents in honoring those who passed from the virus or died by racist police brutality against black lives. All lives won't matter until black lives matter! I don't like seeing anyone-black or otherwise-getting pushed around or dying because of the color of their skin, and I'm glad that I stood strong to celebrate them and peacefully keep my eyes on a more diverse and bright future for Teaneck and people of color everywhere. 

I'm standing for blacks and I'm standing for all lives to matter. No more brutality, no more riots, but yes to a better world for people of color! I was also grateful that I was there to support my mother's activism that afternoon. I know it's hard with the coronavirus situation and dealing with wrongfully losing George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, but now is not the time-nee, never is the time-to let the negativity of the situation turn you into your own worst enemy. I was peaceful about protesting for change for people of color in a Juneteenth march in Teaneck, and I encourage you all to be peaceful about it, too. Offer a helping hand to neighbors or family or anyone who needs assistance around town, show people of color or otherwise that you're there to be their friend, don't let racism stop you from being the kind, revolutionary person you know you can be. No matter what, do not let the situation turn you violent. Peace will come, black lives matter, and all lives matter, for Teaneck and the world!