Kinnelon Residents Plan Peaceful March For Black Lives Matter

KINNELON, NJ — The killing of George Floyd has ignited a wave of national protest, with communities around the United States rallying in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. In New Jersey, these recent events have galvanized residents to take action locally.

Members of the Kinnelon community are showing their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement by holding a peaceful march and gathering at the Kinnelon Town Hall on Sunday.

In order to plan this march, the organizers—Kinnelon High School alum—first approached Kinnelon Mayor Jim Freda to approve holding the march at the Kinnelon Town Hall. In a Facebook post, Mayor Freda expressed his support for the marchers' right to protest at the Town Hall. These individuals have the “'right to assemble' and the 'freedom of speech',” Freda wrote.

Moreover, Mayor Freda explained that he had “met with [the] Chief of Police and the organizers to make sure this remains a peaceful and respectful march to support their cause.” The march will be patrolled by members of the Kinnelon Police Department and Morris County Police Department.

To take part in the protest, participants should meet outside of the Kinnelon Public Library at 3 p.m. on Sunday. From there, participants will march down to Ricker Road and back, where speeches will be made, and a ceremony held, on the green outside of the library. The whole protest is expected to last from 3-5 p.m., and individuals should wear masks and practice social distancing. Marchers are also invited to bring signs.