A two-hour-long bus ride, hot temperatures, and the threat of the coronavirus pandemic didn’t keep 29-year-old Shaquay Brock of Black Lives Matter Harrisburg from joining about 44 other individuals Friday from central Pennsylvania at the March on Washington.
“Being here is unexplainable to me,” Brock said. “I’ve never been here before to witness anything like this. So, for my three daughters, I want them to know that I came here and was part of history. I just hope they see it as ’wow, mom, I hope that one day I get to do something like that.’”
This year’s march was dubbed the “Commitment March on Washington,” with the accompanying rallying cry, “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks.” Black Lives Matter Harrisburg, along with local nonprofits UniteCentralPA and reloved, organized the free trip.
All three organizations believe in similar social justice causes and are working toward educating the community on equality, fairness, and being responsible citizens. Members of the groups handed out gift bags that included sunscreen, water, snacks, and other items provided by Lowes and Costco in Harrisburg.
The march, held on Aug. 28, commemorates the 57 anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Martin Luther King Jr.’s renowned “I Have a Dream” speech.
“I always want my daughters to stand up for what they believe in and fight for a cause like Black Lives Matter, but on the other hand, Martin Luther King, he was here,” Brock said. “He may not be alive today, but the fact that we can come back here years later as all different kinds of people united to stand for one thing, that amazes me.”
“Yes, everyone’s lives matter, but until we can get over racism and police brutality and things like that, we’re always going to have to fight,” she said
Claudie Kenion, Black Lives Matter Harrisburg organizer, said he was “overjoyed” to be there, repeatedly saying throughout the event, “This is beautiful.”
“This is worthwhile,” he said. “It makes me feel that I’m doing the right things.”
The group mostly traveled together, at times trying to get closer to the Lincoln Memorial to be near the speakers, resting under a tree for relaxation and laughs, and posing for pictures. Steady streams of individuals were entering the Mall in every direction.
There was very little room to be socially distant. Some people were wearing masks and others were not. At the start of the march, signs that read “please stand six-feet apart” were hanging up around the Lincoln Memorial, but by noon they were gone.
One of the most celebrated speeches among the central Pennsylvania group was the one delivered by King’s granddaughter, whose energy was noticeable.
Yolanda Renee King, 10, rallied the crowd with the words: “Great challenges produce great leaders,” and reiterated that will she not forget the days of sit-ins and freedom rides, nor her grandfather’s efforts toward social justice.
“I feel excited, energized, and hopeful,” said Heather Norton, founder and CEO of reloved. The New Cumberland-based nonprofit focuses on promoting wellness within underserved communities.
Norton said she felt connected to the masses not only because she agrees with the cause, but also that she contributed with gift bags.
“I was so excited when we made it all the way into the Lincoln Memorial and I saw someone using the stuff that we handed out,” Norton said.
“We are at a turning point in our nation,” she said. “The numbers are here -- there are so many different races, ages, sexual orientations -- everyone has come out for this. It does give me great hope that we can use our voices for the good of others’ lives.”
Participating in the march was sentimental for Selena Feliciano, who was shot with a rubber bullet during the first rally held in Harrisburg following the death of George Floyd. Marching next to Kenion and other members of Black Lives Matter Harrisburg, she was in the middle of hundreds of thousands of people who were holding signs, chanting, and some yelling messages into megaphones.
When taking a brief break at 9th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, she pointed to her scar from the bullet wound.
“I think today’s been amazing,” Felciano said, adding nothing is going to stop her from supporting the cause. “It’s been a beautiful day.”
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