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Blake family, community leaders hold event on support and healing: 'We’re going to rebuild our community'

Posted at 6:53 PM, Sep 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-01 19:53:06-04

KENOSHA — As Jacob Blake remains hospitalized, his family collaborated with community organizations to host an event centered on support and healing.

"We come from a family of ministries and social workers so we wanted to come back to the neighborhood today and help the community heal as well. This happened in their community. How do you think they feel," said Justin Blake, Jacob Blake's uncle.

Tuesday's event came as President Donald Trump made a controversial visit to Kenosha.

Justin said he had no words for the president.

Jacob's uncle joined civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and other community leaders to push a message of peace and justice.

The Blake family worked with the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha and several other organizations, to bring some relief to the area where Jacob was shot in the back. Relief came in the form of music, food, health resources, voter registrations, hair cuts, and activities for the kids.

Justin Blake reiterated they will not sit still until the officer who shot Jacob is indicted and ultimately convicted. He also encouraged meaningful change to end systemic racism.

"We’re no longer going to tolerate this. As a community we are going to work together we’re going to put aside our differences we’re going to agree to disagree and we’re going to rebuild our community."

Justin mentioned Jacob's kids are with family members getting therapy and the help they need. He also said his brother had a conversation with democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris.

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