STORY & PHOTO LEV D. ZILBERMIINTS
NEWARK – On Jan. 19, 2026, a huge rally was held by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue not far from Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Newark. Later in the day, a huge protest march was held. Organized by the People’s Organization for Progress (POP) and co-sponsored by over 300 organizations, the rally and march attracted at least 500+ participants.
Local Talk showed up just as the rally participants were arriving. In the distance, United States and New Jersey state flags flew at half-staff in honor of former Governor, Senator and Assemblyman Richard Codey who dies at the age of 79 on January 11. Codey was the longest-serving political leader in state history, serving 1973 – 2023.
The Rally
Underneath a sunny sky, with the temperature at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, people gathered in a semi-circle around the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue. Songs were sung, with music coming from a drum and a choir.
The songs were a mix of old and new. These included, “We Shall Overcome,” “We Shall Not Be Moved,” “Take Trump out of the White House,” “God Help America,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “All You Fascists Are Bound To Lose,” “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.”
According to the distributed flyer, the Solidarity Singers of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council sang the songs. Bennett Zurofsky, a well-known lawyer, is the group’s director.
Multiple signs decrying various important topics could be seen. “Abolish ICE,” “Trump is a Fascist,” “Fund Schools not War,” “Poverty = Death, We won’t be silent anymore”, “Congress: Defund ICE Now! Call Congress 202–224–3121” “Defund! Shut it Down!,” could be seen.
Interestingly, there were no signs demanding that the United States protect the people of Iran from being massacred by the theocratic Khamenei regime. There was a sign saying “No war With Iran” but nothing about the Iranian people themselves. When Local Talk asked one protester about defending a people of Iran, a straight answer could not be obtained.
Reverend George Britt, pastor of the Mt. Teman AME Baptist Church led the protesters in a prayer.
Larry Hamm, president of the Peoples Organization for Progress (POP) spoke to the audience. “We want abolishment of Gestapo ICE. A report issued a month ago stated that white supremacist domestic terrorism is the biggest threat. We need to outlaw it,” said Hamm.
Hamm continued outlining the goals of the protesters. “End the genocidal wars! Hands off Cuba! No War with Iran! Hands off Greenland! End genocide in Sudan! Cuts in military budget. Spend money on education, jobs!” Hamm shouted in a loud voice to cheers and applause.
Hamm described how Congresswoman LaMonica McIver went to examine the condition of Delaney Hall on May 9, 2025. McIver, along with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka were charged with assault by ICE. The charges were later dropped.
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was the next speaker. “What does freedom look like? No fear. We will not stop from serving the people of New Jersey. … Over 30 people have been killed at the hands of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Defund ICE!
“We cannot go into a corner and go to sleep. We have got to keep fighting. Peaceful and resisting. Keep pushing. We have to be unified in our resistance, fighting against this administration. Hold then accountable. Hold everyone accountable! No justice, no peace!” McIver said.
Charles Hall, President of Local 108, told the crowd that it was very important to vote in the November 2026 general elections. Hall said that he was afraid what would happen if people did not vote.
“Vote in November. I don’t know what we will look like in 2028 if we fail in 2026,” Hall said.
State Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake came with her son. Timberlake, who is pregnant with her second child, spoke at the rally.
“The U.S. Constitution protects both documented and undocumented people. The supremacy clause states that all systems have to administer federal programs. State police do not have to administer ICE programs,” Timberlake said.
The mayor of Maplewood spoke briefly. He called for stopping Trump and no ICE. Deborah Smith Gregory, President of Newark NAACP told the protesters, “Our democracy is in danger. ICE out of New Jersey!”.
The Protest March
After the speeches were over, the protesters organized themselves for a march to the Peter Rodino Federal Building on Broad Street.
About 1:12 p.m. protesters lined up in front of Martin Luther King Jr. Justice building. Numerous signs could be seen. Chants filled the air. Organizers in orange vests walked around, making sure everyone was lined up in an orderly manner.
Police cleared one line of Springfield Avenue of traffic so protesters could march down the street. Those holding signs stood separately from those who did not.
There were so many protesters that they spread around a city block. About 500+ people participated in the march to the Federal Building in Newark.
Two police cars provided an escort. Passersby took cell phone photographs, raised their fists in salute, took videos or simply watched the march. Cars honked in support.
As protesters marched down Market Street they chanted, “Trump Must Go!”. A drumbeat and a cymbal clashed. Signs reading “Stop Racist Violence! No Dictatorship!” “Justice for LaMonica McIver and all Immigrant Detainees!” “Stop Foreclosures!”, “Ceasefire Now! Stop War and Genocide in Gaza!” “Justice for Renee Good!,” “Remember the Civil Rights Movement!”.
The protesters turned right on Broad Street and marched to the Federal Building. Larry Hamm shouted in the microphone, “Trump Must Go!”. This chant was repeated by the marchers.
After reaching the Federal Building, the protesters turned and marched back to the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on MLK Blvd. Three police cars provided an escort.
Upon reaching Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. the marchers turned and went to Saint Benedict’s School. There everyone went into an auditorium.
At this point various speakers representing the different organizations made speeches. Each speaker had three minutes to speak.
Both old and young people were in attendance at the rally, the march, and speeches at Cawley Hall. There was a lot of diversity, with white, black, Latino, Native American and Asian people all represented.
