Letter to the Editor: Black Lives Matter

To the Editor of The Patch:

This June 8th edition of the Hillsborough Patch addresses the protests that occurred the weekend of June 6th in Somerset County as well as the vigil held by the Interfaith Community Action Network in Hillsborough, but something is missing.

Several hundred Hillsborough residents gathered in peaceful protest at the busiest intersection in town and this paper was silent.

The silence speaks to the larger issue of silence on the suffering in marginalized communities. As the state, the country, and the world band together to scream “BLACK LIVES MATTER!”, Hillsborough decided they would amplify those screams.

The people of Hillsborough decided to be proactive in the fight against systemic racism.

The people of Hillsborough decided to listen to the voices of the Black and Brown folk who are hurting in their communities.

The people of Hillsborough decided to display love and unity in a time where some aim to divide us.

The event brought together people of all creeds. Police officers, community activists, people from every age, class, color, and identity joined together for one cause; fighting systemic racism.

What we didn't see is the largest protest in town in nearly 20 years mentioned in this article.

In the past week we have seen lifetime Republicans like Senator Mitt Romney put aside their partisan beliefs to join in the fight and scream “BLACK LIVES MATTER!”. But we’ve also seen many decide to remain silent, like 4 of the 5 members of Hillsborough Township Committee.

I was born and raised in Hillsborough, New Jersey. I exist at the intersection of marginalized identities as a Black woman and have experienced micro and macro aggressions in this town. It’s easy to add degrees of separation between this town and what’s going on in the rest of the country, but the reality is, Hillsborough is a part of this too. I care about this town and I want to know this town cares about me too.

We have a decision to make in this instance, to decide where we stand in history, on the wrong side, or on the right side. It would be devastating to see Hillsborough be categorized as a place that decided to shut its ears to the voices of its constituents.

This movement is far from over and there is an opportunity to amplify those voices.

Lastly, to the community; I am so proud of the community that came together to make its voice heard this past Saturday. It was an honor to stand with you, and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish next.

Sincerely,

Priscilla Senoo

Hillsborough, NJ 08844