Harrison Tuttle, President of Black Lives Matter RI PAC
From the February 8th Emergency Rally to End Musk’s Government Takeover
“Brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends who have been in this fight and some who are just joining us, welcome. Growing up, I never imagined that I’d be speaking in front of all of you today under the very real threat and possibility of fascism. Never did I realize that the history books were wrong - that progress was not moving in the direction promised to our generation.”
“That leaves us with the collective moral obligation to stand by our neighbors, family members, and even those we don’t like—especially the ones we don’t like. I would argue today that we all have to have the patience to deal with the family members we don’t like.
“We’re at a time when people cannot afford rent. People cannot afford to eat. It requires leaders at all levels, both at the city hall and State government with Senators Tiara Mack and Meghan Kallman - and our Governor, who needs to still declare a public health state of emergency for our unhoused community - to our municipal leaders who have the responsibility to protect our undocumented communities, those in which mothers are afraid to go to the grocery store to feed their children.
“Those individuals matter.
“Our elderly population who are on fixed incomes and can’t afford to pay for their basic necessities also matter. Our communities of color, who consistently see across the world, across the country, and here in Rhode Island, know that because of the color of our skin, we’re fired from our jobs and killed on the street. It has to end now.
“On top of all of these issues, our climate is burning up.
“This is the war being waged against working class Rhode Islanders, who go to work every day and try to build a better future, not only for ourselves but, most importantly, our children.
“We know exactly what we need to do. It is time to care for each other, lead with empathy, and tax the rich.
“Through his latest budget, our governor is trying to defund public transportation. He’s trying to make it harder for the very people we are advocating for to get around, go to their jobs, or make a living. This requires us to fight back, so I’m asking all of you to contact your neighbor today. If you know your neighbor is struggling, make something to eat for them. Offer them a plate of food, and let’s start building community together and fight back.”
[Transcription is edited for clarity.]
