Brentwood Residents Organize Say My Name Gathering in Protest of George Floyd Killing

On May 30, 2020, Brentwood residents organized and executed a peaceful protest of the George Floyd killing while also saying the names of the many African-Americans and other unarmed civilians who have been killed by police across the country. Slogans like “No Justice, No Peace” and “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” reverberated down a half mile road in between Brentwood soccer fields and Suffolk Community College Brentwood Campus. Former Brentwood School Board President Elizabeth Mercado who was present at the rally praised the organizers. "I was impressed and inspired by the organizers of the Brentwood protest. There was love, peace and unity among the masses while focusing on the injustices that are served upon African Americans today and throughout history. People are tired of racism in all forms and things have to change. I was proud that people from our community and across long island took action and stood together against these racial injustices which has plagued our country for centuries. This fight will be a long hard battle but change will come. IT HAS TO COME!" When asking one of the organizers Jay Guercio about the event he said, “My friend Sharon came up with the idea to do one and she posted about it. So I reached out to offer my help since I had prior experience.” Sharon, who identified herself as non-black latinx, said “I’m doing my very best to try and make other non-black latinx aware that we must stand with our black brothers and sisters!” The event lasted 4 hours and there was not one fight or sign of physical violence. The only aberration was when Assemblyman Phil Ramos spoke to the crowd. He was haggled by white, black and latino protesters for “cutting the school budget,” “not proposing one law” since the death of Eric Garner and “not doing anything for us.” Eventually, the crowd booed him and he stopped speaking. Other speakers, organizers and invitees, were welcomed by the crowd. Organizers and invited guests inspired the crowd to march and cheer for four hours. It was an outstanding day for the Brentwood community and allies of Black Lives Matter. Blacklongisland.net salutes the organizing team of the May 30, 2020 peaceful protest against police brutality: Sharon Cuellar, Mariana Pineda, Laura Freise and Jay Guercio. Brentwood and its organizers should be proud.