by Hayat Imam
Remarks at the Standout for Black Lives organized by Dorchester People for Peace, September 25, 2020
This event has been organized by Dorchester People for Peace. We hold Black Lives Matter Standouts once a month, and, over the past years, we have seen a radical shift in the way people respond to us. There used to be Boos! Now there are Beeps! We are very glad that you are all here today to stand with us!!
Ever since Dorchester People for Peace organized to oppose President Bush’s War for Oil in Iraq, 17 years ago, we have maintained our commitment to uphold peace and justice at home and abroad.
This is what we know: The ugliness of White Supremacy that wages war on Black and Brown bodies in the world, is the very same foundation for the racism and violence that smashes Black lives in the United States. No one pointed out this truth as powerfully as Martin Luther King Jr. did.
We are standing here today, knowing that the fate of all peace-loving people in the world is linked. That is why, when George Floyd (may he rest in peace) was murdered before our eyes, huge protests erupted all over the world. We are standing together to say that we will not allow the Military Industrial Complex to shape the world we live in. This includes the Military Industrial Complex taking over our domestic institutions and promoting: the unbelievable cruelty of the Immigration system; the injustice of mass incarceration; and the militarization and brutality of the Police.
Faith Leaders in the Boston area are working with others to demand a Police Reform Bill. We are honored to have Reverend Mariama White-Hammond with us to tell us how we can help.
