Protests and counter protests held for social justice

Protests and counter protests held for social justice
Royal Parker came to Millbrook to rally in support of Black Lives Matter.
Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — There are some things that people don’t expect to happen in the ritzy community of Millbrook — including marches and protests for social justice. But that’s exactly what has been happening, with three in particular just this past week. One was not a planned protest, but occurred when people, through social media and word of mouth, were told that on Monday, June 8, there would be a counter All Lives Matter protest to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest that took place on Sunday, June 7. 

On Monday, a group of about 85 gathered at 4 p.m. at the Village Green, mostly young people. There were the usual cars passing by with well wishers honking their horns. Deputies from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, troopers from the New York State Police barracks and the officers from the Millbrook Police Department were also present, as were Village Trustees Mike Herzog and Tim Collopy, to ensure all stayed peaceful.

Another protest took place on Friday, June 12, when a small group met in front of Washington Town Hall. After spending less than an hour there, demonstrators moved to the Village Green. This group was also made up of young people, including some from the middle and high school. 

Asked why he was participating, Royal Parker, an African American, answered, “I protest because it’s one of the ways I know how to bring people together for a common goal. I protest to make a change in the world for the future generations to come. I protest because I was taught to by my grandparents and mother. 

“I have been protesting since the first time George Bush Jr. was selected by the Supreme Court justices in this nation’s capitol,” he added. “I have met some amazing people while protesting, people who restore my hope and faith in a better place where a person isn’t judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” 

Parker is a teaching assistant who works for the Dutchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) at Salt Point. Parker was one of the protesters who came to Millbrook for Monday’s rally to counter balance the All Lives Matter protest, which didn’t end up taking place; he came back to show his support for BLM again on Friday. 

The only unpleasantness reported was that people in a few cars verbally harassed the protesters; one in particular with an adult couple came by three different times. Parker and others encouraged the younger participants to keep their cool and not be cajoled into reacting. 

“That’s what they want, and we won’t give it to them,” said Parker.

At a Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 9, and in private conversations, village trustees said they were worried about troublemakers. Some business owners were also worried that after being closed for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, if things get out of hand with protesters there could be looting or fires, as there have been around the country and in New York City, and merchants wouldn’t be able to protect their livelihoods. The board agreed organizers should obtain  a permit to protest and have insurance waivers, in case of damage or injury and so the village wouldn’t incur any unforeseen expenses.

Millbrook Police Officer Jared Witt said the many protests that have taken place thus far have been peaceful and uneventful. He stated that New York police officers pledge to preserve and protect the constitution, which includes the right for citizens to protest in a peaceful manner. 

Witt also thanked local disabled war veteran Derek Davis for guiding young protesters in the “right direction” during the protests.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less