By Krystle J Bailey
“I know we cannot change the whole world, but we can change our little part of it,” declared Glorist Moore of Egg Harbor Township.
“We are change agents,” echoed her friend, Tamika Gilbert Floyd.
“Change has to come from within the community, with grassroots efforts,” added Andrea Fogg.
These three Egg Harbor Township moms came together to pave a way for change. In the wake of the George Floyd murder at the hands of Minneapolis law enforcement, protests erupted across the world, including throughout Atlantic County. George Floyd’s death directly followed the killing of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, all who sadly became three more black Americans failed by the justice system. George Floyd became a tipping point for many Americans who have long felt that enough is ENOUGH.
Tamika Floyd and Andrea Fogg nodded in agreement as Glorist Moore expressed that when we heard George Floyd call out for his mother, all mothers were summoned. Moore, an EHT resident and mother of two, shared with conviction that God wouldn’t let her “pray this one away.” She knew in her heart-of-hearts that she was being called to be a part of active change in her community.
On the Wednesday prior to the June 7th kickoff event, Glorist text her friend Tamika Floyd expressing her urgent need to do something. They brought their friend Andrea Fogg on board and planned a peaceful protest for that Sunday.
The June 7th protest, “Break The Cycle of Injustice” would become a kickoff event for the community. Over 400 protestors marched their way to Tony Canale Park in EHT. Upon arrival, a voter registration booth was set up along with information about the 2020 Census. Volunteers handed out cold water as everyone prepared to hear from a powerful lineup of speakers. Protestors of all races and ethnicities gathered in the large field, waving their “Black Lives Matter” flags and shouting for justice.
The emotion in the crowd was palpable and hopeful. Goosebumps rose on the skin of everyone in the crowd as Darchele Scott sang “Rise Up.” Tears rolled down emotional faces as 5th grader, Jailen Scott shared his original poem entitled, “I Can’t Breathe 2.0.” Emotions continued as 4th grader Marvin Burroughs shared his original poem, “I Am a Black Boy.”
The powerhouse list of speakers continued including Flynn Altomare, Ariana Smith, Dante Moore, Freeholder Ashley Bennett, Fred Fogg, and Pastor Tim Chambers along with Youth Pastor Urick Lewis from Fresh Start Church.
As emotions ran high and a passion for change was shared among the crowd, it was deeply understood that this energy couldn’t end when everyone dispersed at the end of the day. This was the beginning of a movement in our hometown, as well as across the nation.
Tamika Floyd, Andrea Fogg, and Glorist Moore expressed repeatedly that this isn’t about their names or recognition, but that they are following their God led calling to be agents for change. They are serving as the catalyst for conversations, education, and equity for black and brown people in our community. The need for change extends will beyond the call for police reform and equity in the justice system. These three moms, along with thousands of others, are calling for equity for people of color in the Healthcare system, black history to be taught for more than just a month in February, racial disparities to be addressed in places of employment and so much more.
It begins with our community and with allies of all races who believe that change is urgently necessary. It begins with conversations, education, and a choice to stand up for what is right. Long lasting changes can only happen when people come together for a greater good and continue to show up for the cause.
June 7th launched a movement and an invitation for the community to come together for equity and justice. These three powerhouse mothers will work together with fellow community members to address the unconscious and conscious biases that exist in America towards people of color.
To get involved and be a part of the movement with Tamika, Glorist, and Andrea email inquiries to www.tinyurl.com/breakthecycleEHT.com.
Krystle J Bailey is a mom of two, a published author,
poet, and freelance writer. Born and raised in South Jersey, she currently
resides in Mayslanding. Contact Krystle at
Krystlejbailey@gmail.com.
