Protestors shut down parts of Route 15 Sunday backing up traffic for over an hour.
Activists say their goal was to be disruptive and not destructive to make sure their voices are heard.
During the protests you could hear the sound of drums on the highway and in the rally portion which lead to a chorus on the steps of the town of Hamden’s town hall singing, “We shall overcome.”
Protesters singing songs to uplift as they continue demonstrations that have shaken the country and here in the state.
But not before falling silent, for more than 8 minutes protestors sat in thoughtful reflection on why this protest really matters.
Rev. Jack Perkins-Davidson said, “It’s easy for us here in Hamden to lament the death of George Floyd halfway across the country, the hardest thing and the most important thing is for us to turn our attention back to the racist system that exist here in Hamden.”
Protesters mention a few instances where the town of Hamden saw its fair share of controversy --from a school play at West Wood Elementary that cast students of color as slaves to teach students about colonialism; to what protesters call over-policing in South Hamden.
Abdul Osmanu explained, “I really think it’s about an occupying force or more than like an agent for change and if you ask me right now it’s more like an occupying force than something that’s ready to address structural racism and push us forward.”
It's the reason some protesters demand money be taken away from the police department and into educational programs or the community.
Soon after FOX61 saw protestors on the highway Los Fidel, a known protestor explained the actions of protestors, Los Fidel said, “In order to demand something you need to have supply, if you cannot supply the person you demand something from with something that I want then you’ll never get what you’re looking for so I believe in being disruptive not destructive. “
City officials say although this protest showed unity, it's time to take the next step.
Justin Farmer who is Hamden’s 5th district rep. of the legislative council said, “It’s going to your city council meetings, your selectmen meetings, going to your police commission, your traffic commission, it’s getting involved in those ways. It’s great to show up and protest, but it’s also taking responsibility for the people who make decisions on your behalf.”
Protestors encourage everyone to start getting more involved in local government and more active in their community to promote change.
People around the state took to the streets to protest racial inequality on Sunday.
Some of the events were to honor the memory of George Floyd, who was killed in Minneapolis at the end of May.
In Hamden, protesters marched down Whitney Avenue and onto Rt. 15 to block traffic.
In West Hartford, Black Lives Matters protesters marched through downtown to town hall.
In Manchester, people marched from Charter Oak Park to Town Hall, then to the police department.
Police in Old Saybrook shut down Main Street for marchers.
A group of women from the Bridgeport area formed a procession to the State Capitol around noon time.
In Clinton, a group gathered at the Clinton Antique Mall.
