March Like a Mother for Black Lives

March Like a Mother for Black Lives Boston Rally

Saturday, June 27, 2020

12 – 2 PM
Copley Square at Trinity Church

All mothers were summoned when George Floyd’s last word was “mama.”  Now, black mothers summon all mothers to stand in solidarity against anti-blackness and racism.

We will center the voices and experiences of black mothers while inviting all mothers who stand for black lives, black joy, and black prosperity. Join March Like a Mother for a family-friendly, kid-safe rally in response to the murder of George Floyd and to learn how we, as mothers, can harness our energy for radically necessary systemic change.

Watch the livestream here.

Important Rally Information

Tomorrow is the day! Please read this email in its entirety, as it has a lot of very information you need to know before, during, and after our event.

Our Rally: When & Where

  • March like a Mother for Black Lives will begin promptly at noon on the lawn in front of Trinity Church, located at 206 Clarendon Street in Copley Square.
  • Please note: we are not marching Our event is a peaceful, stationary rally gathered on the lawn in front of Trinity Church. The gathering area is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There: Parking & Directions

  • The rally will take place in front of Trinity Church and on the lawn. It is directly across the street from the Dartmouth Street entrance of the Copley Square Boston Public Library.
  • We anticipate hundreds of participants at this event.
  • Street and garage parking are very limited in/around Copley Square and can be expensive. We encourage you to take public transportation or ride sharing.
  • Copley (Green line) is the closest T-stop by train; Arlington (Green line) is also walkable. Back Bay (Orange line) is also nearby and walkable; look for bright pink signs directing you to the rally as you exit Back Bay station.

Safety First!

  • We are taking all safety precautions and care given COVID-19. Masks must be worn for the entire event and we encourage physical distancing as much as you are able at the space.
  • We will have water, masks, sanitizer, hand fans, and several port-a-potty restrooms on site. If you can, please bring your own mask, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and snacks. We will also have a First Aid station and a shaded area for nursing mothers on site.

Inclement Weather

  • Saturday’s forecast currently predicts late afternoon showers. We don’t anticipate rain during the program, but prepare for it just in case. 
  • We will make a final decision about weather by 11:00 AM and will communicate through our Facebook event, social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and email to inform you of next steps. Please monitor closely with us. 

Our Program: What to Expect

We will center Black mothers while celebrating and activating all mothers into action for Black lives. Our speakers will inform and inspire you to live out the cornerstones of our movement in public safety reform, maternal health, education, and economic justice. 

  • Boston-based mother and survivor Carla Sheffield will share her story of losing her son to police violence and how mothers can advocate for reform.
  • Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins will speak to Public Safety Reform.
  • Boston-based midwife Nashira Baril and Tufts Medical School Associate Professor Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha will address issues in Black Maternal Health.
  • Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services Liaison Jessica Thomas and Boston City Councilor Kim Janey will speak about Economic Justice and Wealth-Building.
  • Local education non-profit leaders and Black mothers Latoya Gayle and Sarah Iddrissu will speak about Education.
  • State Representative Liz Miranda and Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu will round out our program to talk about what we can do now and how we can move on from this moment.
  • Local Black poets Hannah Parker and Ashley Rose will share works and vocalist Jessica Johnson will perform.

After the Program: Cleanup

  • We want to leave the space cleaner than we found it. Please work with us to ensure we leave no trash behind by picking up after yourself and looking out for the environment. Practice a carry in/carry out mentality.

Livestream

It’s time to #MarchLikeAMother.

We’ll see you there.

~ In solidarity & gratitude, The March Like a Mother Team ~