Princeton Black Lives Matter march move to Sunday due to weather forecast

A Black Lives Matter equality march will be held this Sunday, July 12, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Princeton Family YMCA located at 59 Paul Robeson Place. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday but was moved to Sunday because storms are expected in the region on Saturday afternoon.

The event is being organized by Princeton resident Shariese Katrelle, a disabled Black activist and performer, and co-organizer Sam Shweisky, the Princeton men’s volleyball coach. Music will be provided by DJ Darius the First. The event will also feature a performance by LGBTQ Hip Hop artist Dutchess Osika Diamond.

The goal of the event is to demonstrate how organizations, poets, speakers, and performers can work together raise awareness in the community about racism.

“Systemic racism continues in ‘the land of free and the home of the brave.’ I will continue to stand up for people like myself and other minorities, which some feel are on the other side of the tracks of Princeton similar to other wealthy towns. The ability to bring awareness to how Black lives matter, and to systemic injustice, is what I hope to accomplish by working along with diverse volunteers,” Katrell said. “The march will reflect different organizations, poets, speakers, and others to help give them an opportunity to express their opinions on racial inequities and police reform. All genders, races, ages, and religious groups are welcome to join us and walk.”

Marchers will gather at the Princeton Family YMCA at 1:30 p.m., and march down Paul Robeson Place to Tulane Street. They will then make a right onto Nassau Street, a right onto Witherspoon Street, and then a left on Paul Robeson Place. The march will end at the YMCA. The rally after the march will feature speakers, music, and performances.

All attendees must wear masks and maintain social distance, organizers said. Attendees are also advised to bring water and something to sit on.