Black Lives Matter protesters and supporters of “Back the Blue’” held demonstrations on the same day on Sunday. Hundreds exercised their right to peacefully assemble, passionate and unwavering in their causes.

What You Need To Know


  • Black Lives Matter protesters and supporters of “Back the Blue’” held demonstrations on the same day in Rochester on Sunday

  • "Back the Blue" supporters say they wanted to give area law enforcement the support they need to do their job

  • Several Black Lives Matter organizers and protesters discussed the divide and tension throughout the nation before the protest on I-490

  • BLM supporters say they understand the support for police but also believe the system is broken.

Participants of a Back the Blue Ride and Rally in the Finger Lakes say they came together in hopes to give area law enforcement the support they need to do their job and keep everyone safe.

“Sometimes you know groups can feel left out or abandoned,” said Back the Blue supporter Nancy Kymble, “or when things are not going well for them. Just in all that, we are supporting them and we have their back.”

“We need law and order,” said John Kymble, “and if we don't have law and order we don't have nothing. To me, it may not be perfect. I'm sure it's not perfect. But at the end of the day we need something because if we don't have something we have anarchy."

Several Black Lives Matter organizers and protesters discussed the divide and tension throughout the nation in regard to valuing and protecting “Black Lives” and “Blue Lives.” The discussion took place hours prior to participating in a Save the Roc demonstration to shut down the I-490 Expressway in Rochester.

“I back the blue when they are correct,” said community activist and Black Lives Matter organizer Cherriese Marie, “I speak out against injustice and oppression whether it be for me or against me. I would want to know, do you have the same stance? Can you speak out for injustice whether it be for you or against you? Can you condemn a person in blue when they are wrong?

“Understanding what their cause is to support law enforcement,” said community activist and Black Lives Matter organizer Anthony Hall, “I get that. You have the right to do that. However, Black Lives Matter is addressing systemic issues as it relates to black people. We have to understand that as human beings. Until ‘Black Lives Matter,’ ‘All Lives’ don’t matter and that’s what we see.”

“It’s a system that’s broken,” said community activist and Black Lives Matter organizer Mikey, “it needs to be corrected and we need to do that in a way that is conscious; not ignoring people who are being killed in the street and disenfranchised on a daily basis.”

Protesters say they want to continue this dialogue in hopes for unity and peace.

“Now is the time to just take a look at the hearts of the people,” said community activist and Black Lives Matter organizer Shalonda Jones, “and understand where we are coming from in this time. We really want to make a change, we really want to be united with blue lives so if you can take the time to educate yourself a little and have a heart.”