BOONTON – “This is what democracy looks like.”

Indeed. The sight on the sloping Main Street of this historic Morris County town certainly gave credence to the chant of at least 1,000 people. This was the latest in a series of anti-racism marches and protests in the county after the death of George Floyd.

Waves and waves of people, who were kept six feet apart by organizers, walked down Main Street from Grace Lord Park to the local high school.

It was a thoroughly diverse group as one sign epitomized – “Muslims for Black Lives Matter,” it read. All ages and ethnic group were represented and the procession included a fair number of dogs as well.

A middle-aged white man from nearby Denville said he was marching because, “Enough is enough. It’s important for white people to stand with black people and show solidarity.”

The chants were familiar to anyone who has attended or watched similar protests on television.

“No Justice, No Peace.”

“No KKK. No Racist Police.”

“Say His Name: George Floyd.”

There was a police presence. Most side streets connecting to Main Street were closed, as was a Boonton exit off of Route 287. Along the march route, everything was peaceful.

There have not been any counter protests at any of the Morris marches, but there has been some disagreement. At a prayer vigil against racism at Montville High School a week or so ago, a truck adorned with Trump flags drove around the parking lot a few times, but then left.

Tonight in Boonton, a resident, Josh Olsen, told me he came to watch, but that the protest was not needed. He said Boonton is a friendly town and a place where all people get along. He sported a creative
T-shirt. It showed a picture of Ronald Reagan with a Trump hat on his head. He added that the protests are an attempt of “the left” to take over.

As the march ensued, there was a disquieting moment that needs to be said. The organizers, who were Black Lives Matter Morristown and Wind of the Spirit, an immigrant support group, said they wanted to kickoff the event with “Assata’s prayer.”

This was a prayer that advocated loving each other and fighting injustice. All well and good.

But most people in attendance probably didn’t know who Assata is.

She is Assata Shakur, who originally was known as Joanne Chesimard. It was a long time ago now, but Chesimard was convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper in 1973. She excaped from prison and is now living in Cuba. Efforts to bring her back to the U.S. have failed.

Rather than honor a convicted cop killer, It may be time for organizers to come up with another prayer.