Activists, families of police brutality victims rally in Newark in wake of Tyre Nichols’ death

The People’s Organization for Progress said the rally was about standing in solidarity.

News 12 Staff

Jan 28, 2023, 5:34 PM

Updated 461 days ago

Share:

Activists held a rally in Newark Saturday to demand justice for the police killing of Tyre Nichols.
Organizers, community members and family members of police brutality victims gathered at the Lincoln statue along Springfield Avenue. The People’s Organization for Progress said the rally was about standing in solidarity.
"We have to build a movement to stop police brutality. Obviously, there are police that did not learn any lessons from the death of George Floyd," said Lawrence Hamm, chairman of People's Organization for Progress.
It was on Jan. 7 when Memphis police officers could be seen on body camera footage repeatedly hitting and beating 29-year-old Nichols following traffic stop. Three days later, Nichols died at a hospital. All five police officers who were charged with murder are Black.
While organizers said they find comfort in the fact that the criminal justice system moved swiftly to arrest and charge the officers, Hamm said he would like law enforcement to move as quickly to charge white officers as it was done with the Black officers.
Demonstrators said it's a deep problem that is beyond Black and white - it's about blue.
"They cannot say that we are looking at the police officer's race. We are looking at what the police officer is doing to our communities and we want it to stop," said Daryle Lamont Jenkins, founder of One People's Project.
Demonstrators also emphasized that the rally was also about making a change not only in Memphis but in New Jersey as well.
"We need transparency in all of these police departments across the state. My brother should still be here," said Valerie Dale, sister of a veteran who was fatally shot by New Jersey state police.
The Memphis Fire Department said two workers, "involved in the initial care of Nichols were relieved of duty during an investigation." It was unclear as of Saturday night if they were EMS.


More from News 12
2:08
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

1:44
Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts