Elijah Brass
E
lijah Brass lll is a native of Monroe, Louisiana. He is not new to protests being that his grandfather was always vocal in the community. His grandfather (Elijah Brass Sr.) was so vocal and making such a difference in his community that it angered many of his fellow citizens. It angered them to the point that they formed together and put a hit out on Elijah Brass Senior for $2,000. Elijah says when he first learned of the hit on his grandfather it was a shock to him. He soon realized how inspiring and encouraging it was. It really showed him how much of a difference his grandfather was making and inspired him to make a change as well in his community no matter the cost or risk. Elijah knows that his grandfather would want him to carry on the legacy and continue to fight against injustice and raise his voice. Elijah knows that God will carry him safely wherever he needs go. Elijah wants citizens of his community, his children, and grandchildren to be able to read an article or see an interview and be proud of the work he has done. On Monday, June 8th, 2020, Elijah Brass lll was part of a protest in Monroe, Louisiana along with others organized by a group that he co-founded called B.R.I.D.G.E, INC. which took place at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. In late May, OPPJ Vice President District B, Jack Clampit made a Facebook post that read “There is a simple way to control the looters, just two words. Choot em”. After receiving tons of backlash from citizens in the Monroe community, the post has since been deleted. Elijah along with many others in the community were outraged about the post, and is asking for a resignation from Clampit. Elijah was not nervous about being part of the protest; he said he actually felt empowered and felt like this was the best time for him to take a stand and speak up. He feels as Page 10
though this was a moment ordained specifically for him. Elijah says he could not stay home and sit back and let this moment to take a stand pass him up. So he invited his sister and his two brothers to join him in protesting. He says it was a proud moment for him to be a part of the movement, and he wasn’t nervous at all. Elijah takes pride in using his voice and was very excited about protesting. He says for far too long the majority has been silent and the minority has been loud. Elijah believes if we all stand together in solidarity these behaviors will no longer exist. These behaviors have been condoned for far too long and people are no longer willing to sit by and allow this behavior to continue happening. Elijah believes justice for him would mean that his children and his future grandchildren won’t have to live in a society where they are judged by the color of their skin. As Dr. King said,
