A small group of about 25 protestors gathered near Onset Pier on Friday afternoon to advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement and against police brutality, earning many honks of support from passing drivers.

The protest was one of many across the country following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25.

“I’m here because I want to stop brutality just because of the color of our skin,” said Xavier Mitchell, a 12-year-old from Taunton.

Mitchell’s sister, Kathy Ayala of Wareham, played an uplifting playlist with songs like “One Love” from her car stereo while holding a sign reading “Love Does Not See Color”
“It’s a long fight,” Ayala said. “I’m asking everyone to come out and support.”

Ayala, a Native American, said she has experienced racism throughout her entire life, including her time serving in the military. There, she said, she saw white workers promoted over their non-white peers. 

“This isn’t a political matter -- it’s human rights,” Ayala said. 

Another family, the Cormiers, made up a good portion of the protest.

“I just think it’s up to us to stand up and keep it going,’ said Sandy Cormier, who emphasized that it's important for people to continue focusing on this issue instead of moving on to the next big story. 

“Police brutality is completely unacceptable, and I wanted to do something instead of just sitting at home,” said Madison Cormier, a 14 year old.

Karen Cormier, a self proclaimed “old hippie,” said that she was first involved in civil rights protests in the 1960s. Now, she is optimistic that the protests across the country will make a real difference. 

“So many different races and religions -- everyone is out protesting,” Cormier said. 

Another protest is scheduled for Saturday, although the time and location are unclear.