The #BlackLivesMatter movement took to the streets of downtown Hartford, Ct. on June 8th, shutting down a major intersection during the afternoon rush hour.
One hundred and fifty people gathered behind the Old State House chanting “Black lives matter” and “There’s no excuse for systems of abuse!” as 17 people blocked traffic.
Called by Moral Monday Ct., the demonstration attracted people of many ages and races from across Connecticut, including people from the the labor, faith and LGBTQ communities who came out in solidarity.
As police converged on the demonstration, organizer Cornell Lewis addressed the growing crowd: “Because we are advocating that Black lives matter, the police are coming and they’re going to take us away. I want you to know that we have been given a warning and we are willing to go to jail because in America, we believe that Black lives matter!”
The response of the police showed their hostility to the Black Lives Matter movement, which is no surprise as the movement responds to racist police killings of Black men and women. Over 50 officers from the Hartford, Capitol and State police responded to 17 people blocking traffic. The Hartford Courant reported that police from neighboring cities were
mobilizing at a nearby location. This response shows the necessity of a militant and organized movement, which the organizers of the June 8 demonstration aims to build.
While the state tried to place an outrageous $5,000 bail on each person arrested, supporters put immediate pressure on the system by placing constant calls to the police and mayor, resulting in everyone being released on a Promise to Appear. The Hartford 17 will be facing charges on Wednesday, June 17th at 80 Washington Street in Hartford. Supporters are encouraged to pack the courtroom and attend a demonstration outside the courthouse at 9 AM.
