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Message Was Hateful

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest on July 12 was well-funded with stage, speakers, microphones, etc. at the Branford Police Department and was peaceful, however, I stopped in to listen to what quickly became hate speech spewed out of the mouth of one of the speakers.

What I believe the speaker’s message was is that white moderates must be brought down and have things removed from them. Really? And, it was a downward spiral from there as our youth clapped and cheered for this ideology. Branford is mostly a white moderate town! Someone please tell me why we need to be brought down. Parents should educate themselves to BLM’s mission. Branford Public Schools, alumni, current students, and faculty should ask for copy of speeches before subjecting our town to this hateful rhetoric and next time you call for a police officer at l a.m., see how many of your newly funded agencies respond, and, if they do, I pray they are qualified to assist with your emergency.

I was sickened by what I heard. I noticed not many people of color joined this march, which was posted on Facebook. I have heard many of them state that they don’t want BLM in their communities to spew hate speech and violence. I am appalled at what I heard.

I don’t think there is one person who doesn’t want justice for George Floyd. There are bad apples in every bunch of everything. Branford youth should get a grip, supporting a coalition and those who have such a disdain for our community that they are calling for it (white moderates) to be taken down along with white moderates across the nation and the world. Peaceful or not, the message was hateful.

Sandy Peccerillo

Branford

Editor’s note: Those interested in the actual words used by speaker Lionel Louis can find his speech on the SAFER Branford Instagram page; the speech, on the page’s IGTV channel, begins at the 18:52 mark.