The Berkshire County Branch of the NAACP is holding a Black Lives Matter protest in Pittsfield, Massachusetts this weekend following the police shooting of African-American man Jacob Blake in Wisconsin earlier this month.
NAACP Chapter President Dennis Powell tells WAMC that the event is about continuing to use community voices against racism and police violence following Blake’s experience with police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
“I thought George Floyd was bad enough, but then to see what happened to him – and to be shot seven times in the back, and to be paralyzed but handcuffed to a bed – what is going on with our country?” asked Powell.
Blake’s father told reporters that Blake – 29, the father of six – was handcuffed to his hospital bed after being shot by police. The demonstration is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Park Square Sunday. Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer is expected to speak.
