Supporters of law enforcement and the armed forces will gather in Southampton on Saturday for a Back the Blue rally at 11 a.m., and later in the day racial justice activists will march in a rally of their own, also in Southampton.
The Back the Blue rally, billed as a "long overdue" effort to give people the chance thank "all of these brave and heroic men and women that keep our communities safe and defend our freedom day in and day out without hesitation," will begin and end at Agawam Park, with a march proceeding down Windmill Lane, Jagger Lane, Main Street, and Job's Lane.
Back the Blue "is an ACT for America activism campaign focused on building community support for our local police officers," according to the ACT for America website. "With radical leftist protesters constantly vilifying our local heroes, it is our job to stand up and defend their honor."
The nonprofit organization "showcases the tolerant and patriotic nature of our nation through our diversity, as well as by fostering a healthy dialogue about the most critical threats facing our nation from the perspective of a variety of voices," according to the site. Its mission is to "educate, engage, train, and mobilize citizens to ensure the safety and security of Americans against all threats foreign and domestic while preserving civil liberties guaranteed by the . . . Constitution."
"We welcome all who share our beliefs, but require adherence to our non-discrimination and anti-violence policy," the group's mission statement says, pointing out that ACT for America "has never, and will never, tolerate any bias, discrimination, or violence against anyone, based on their religion, gender, race, or political persuasion."
Participants in the Saturday morning rally have been asked to wear a blue or patriotic shirt to show support and to take flags or banners. Those seeking more information can email [email protected]. "This is a peaceful rally and a peaceful walk," Kenny Oliver wrote on Tuesday, in answer to an email to that address.
In response to the morning rally, Lisa Votino, a local racial justice activist, is organizing a march and rally of her own that afternoon at 4, also at Agawam Park.
"While outsiders will be coming into our community bringing their hate under the guise of supporting law enforcement, WE will gather and stand united like we do," Ms. Votino wrote on the Facebook page for the event. "This is not a counter-protest. We will not be taking any action during their rally. But we will have the last word in our community."
Her rally's message: "We are still here. We are still watching. We still believe that black lives matter. And this is our community. We stand together now and always."
In peaceful protests across the East End, activists have shown "appreciation for our first responders including the police that partnered with us," she wrote. "We have had open and honest continuing dialogue with our local departments." Nevertheless, she and her fellow activists continue to "seek justice, equality, and equity."
Participants have been asked to wear masks. Additional information can be had by emailing the organizer at [email protected].
Reporting by Anabel Sosa and Carissa Katz
