Black Lives Matter Actions

Text and images courtesy of Rachel Rosenfeld, Community Outreach Coordinator, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter - Lehigh Valley

Action in Easton - In the wake of the unjust death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others lost to police brutality, and the undercurrent of systemic racism plaguing the nation, people in small cities and towns around Pennsylvania are rising up to peacefully protest and demand divestment from the police, investment in Black communities, and justice for Black lives. In downtown Easton, several young women organized a rally that drew hundreds of community members from around the Lehigh Valley, who marched, held signs, and chanted in unison, "No Justice, No Peace". These photos depict a peaceful protestor holding a hand painted sign depicting a portrait of George Floyd and demanding justice for his wrongful death, and other marchers and participants.

Text and image courtesy of Jim Wylie, Chapter Chair, PA Chapter

West Chester - On the afternoon of June 4, a short march and rally was held in West Chester as a remembrance for George Floyd. I was nervous about joining a crowd. I am in an at-risk category for the virus. I wanted to show my support for Black Lives and hear testaments at the Chester Count Courthouse. My family and neighbors chose to join the march at the rear and stay on the periphery of the rally, which was reported to be several thousand in attendance. Nine minutes of kneeling in silence was a most moving experience.

Text and image courtesy of Karen Melton, SPG Volunteer

East Falls - At the same time large scale rallies occurred every day in Center City, many neighborhoods around Philadelphia held small, locally-organized rallies in support of Black Lives Matter. In this photo, neighbors in the East Falls section of NW Philadelphia gathered in a local park where they social-distanced, listened to speakers and knelt in a silent remembrance of George Floyd.