New Organizer Creates New Rally for Friday in Peabody, MA

PEABODY, MA — On Sunday, May 31, 2020, Peabody resident Nicolas Blaisdell attempted to organize a rally to protest the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, as well as the systematic oppression of people of color in the United States whether it be by the police, the criminal justice system, or other institutional means.

According to the event’s Facebook page, after being contacted by the Peabody Police Department and warned about safety concerns, Blaisdell decided to postpone his rally to work with Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt to coordinate a larger, city-wide remembrance event “for the life of George Floyd and for the need for racial justice in our country,” which will be happening in the upcoming weeks.

However, in the wake of the postponement of Blaisdell’s event, Peabody resident Heidy Salama has organized another event in downtown Peabody for Friday afternoon at 5pm. Salama’s rally is planned to be a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, Justice for George Floyd, and against police brutality.

Based on the event’s Facebook page, attendees will “hold signs, listen to speakers, and chant.” This new event has even drawn the attention of Angus McQuilken, a candidate running for Congress, who plans on being in attendance.

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To RSVP or stay up to date with Salama’s event, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/292402665127334/.

Location: Peabody Square
Date: Friday, June 5, 2020
Time: 5:00pm

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After a series of racist and virulent public backlash in the comments section by Peabody residents on various posts across different Peabody social media pages, the need for Blaisdell and Salama’s organizational efforts in Peabody cannot be overstated.