By Ashlea Brown
A wave of demonstrations began more than a month ago after the police killing of George Floyd, actions that continued to grow week-by-week, and will even more this Fourth of July weekend.
That’s because many racial justice activists believe this country is flawed, and that the Fourth of July shouldn't be praised, but instead explored and critiqued.
Below are a few protests and actions throughout Northern California on this Fourth of July that are ways to celebrate Black lives:
Protest At California’s Capitol
What: The 4th of You Lie celebration will also demand for the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue inside the Capitol. Democratic Party leaders in the Legislature have announced that the statue will be removed, but it has yet to be relocated. The event is hosted by The Decolonization Project, Black Brown Shut It Down, SCARS – Statewide Coalition Against Racist Symbols, Anti Police-Terror Project Sacramento and NorCal Resist.
Where: California State Capitol West Steps
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
March Through The Central City
What: March for Liberty & Justice For All will be a protest march for liberty and justice for all. This event is organized by @protestforchange_sac.
Where: Fremont Park to Capitol West Steps.
When: begins 10 a.m.
Car Parade In Alameda
What: 4th of July BLM March will be a protest march and car parade to city hall in support of Black lives. This event is organized by @youthactivistofalameda and @alameda.blm.protest.
Where: Washington Park in Alameda
When: Noon
Free Meals And Action At Lake Merrit in Oakland
What: 4th of July Black Out — a protest and celebration organized to bring the community together for change. There will be 2,000 free meals given away courtesy of Mobb Kitchen, as well as 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizers and 3,000 bandana face coverings.
Where: Lake Merrit
When: 1 p.m.
Protest in San Francisco
What: Black Lives Matter Walk, put on by The Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy of San Francisco, will recognize that Black history is patriotic, and that every month is American history and Black history month.
Where: Eureka Valley Baseball Diamond
When: 2 p.m.
New Nation in Napa
What: Live Free: Birth of a New Nation celebration will be a music-inspired march that organizers say will "amplify those who were not included in the Declaration of Independence." The event is hosted by @pccnapa.
Where: Veterans Park in downtown Napa.
When: 1 to 4 p.m.
Unity in San Jose
What: Unity March San Jose is a unity march for systemic change. This event will not only be a march but also will include spoken word from Black Lives Matter activists and allies. There will also be spoken words and an Angelversary for Anthony Nuñez, a San Jose resident who was shot and killed by police after they were called on the scene responding to a mental health crisis.
Where: San Jose City Hall
When: 2 to 6 p.m.
For more demonstrations throughout the Bay Area check out Bay Area Protests on Instagram.
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