Saturday afternoon thousands gathered to protest and rally in Staten Island against police brutality and the death of Eric Garner. July 17th. Garner died from a heart attack after being put in a chokehold by police officer Daniel Pantaleo which was recorded in its entirety by Ramsey Orta.

Orta, who had known Garner for five years, stated “I’m happy people came. We stuck together, let it be known we didn’t want any violence .“ In regards to what occurred with protesters in Ferguson, “I wish they wouldn’t have been hostile” said Orta, who was “surprised” by the large peaceful turnout. Orta had just been released on bail a day before the protest; he was arrested two weeks after the death of Garner. According to SILive.com, Orta is accused of misdemeanor weapon possession. Cops allege Orta stuffed an unloaded .25 caliber handgun into the waistband of a teenager outside the Hotel Richmond at 71 Central Avenue. Officers recovered the weapon, said police. “I was setup, retaliation” said Orta, but he was also grateful for the support he received “I want to thank everybody that helped me” specifically naming Eric Garner’s parents (mom) Gwen and (dad) Ben. Orta stated he wants everyone to “keep calm, we’re going to get justice” he also wants those to understand “it’s time to stick together and fight the war we’ve been fighting for years.”

Politicians and elected officials from all over the city attended except those from Staten Island.

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce also sent out letter which may have led to the closing of many stores and businesses along the designated path.

The letter stated: “Although the march is considered peaceful, there is no guarantee that everyone in attendance will act sensibly,” said a letter issued to local businesses by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “It is important that personal safety and general precautions be utilized.”

Lorie Honor owner of Honor Wines, along with many others took heed to the warning. Honor was told that the crowd could possibly reach 15,000 which was a precautionary gross overestimate “we were concerned” said Honor who was also told by a Community Affairs Officer that there would be “adequate police presence.” After what many saw occur in Ferguson Missouri, along with the alarming letter, most business owners did not think it would be safe enough to open along the path of Bay Street and Richmond Terrace. With her shop being closed she decided to attend the protest. “We were able to participate, a good moment for Staten Island, beautiful event” said Honor.
Karl, owner of Karl’s Klipper, a neighboring bar and restaurant which was also closed during the protest, was a little disappointed because Saturdays are usually his best days for business. Karl “told staff to stay home” but said in regards to the peacefulness of the protest “if I knew I probably would’ve opened.”

Simon’s Steaks and other take out restaurants stayed open and received a lot of business from hungry protesters. Two stores also remained open on the corner of Stuyvesant Place and Schuyler Street. Owner of Halal Papas Chicken & Kebabs, Munjur Shaikh said “Saturdays are usually slow but today was better than any other Saturday.” The adjacent business, St. George Pharmacy was open although the gate in front of the display window was left down, the store clerk Lee Smith said “going by what happened in Ferguson people had a right to be scared to protect their business.” Staying open proved to be necessary “the pharmacy in Tompkinsville was closed, people had to come here. You got to support the community” said Smith who also shared his thoughts on how to improve the community “If you love your neighbor and that neighbor loves their neighbor, it just continues.”

Some protesters were heard voicing displeasure over Al Sharpton not being present until the end of the rally. The protest was held 25 years after the death of Usef Hawkins, a Black male teen shot and killed by Caucasian male teen, Joey Fama, which led to racial tension throughout New York City. Fama was convicted and currently serving a sentence of 32-years-to-life.

-Kuwan Cornelius(@Wans2cents)