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Elijah Brass

lijah Brass lll is a native of Mon-
roe, Louisiana. He is not new to
Eprotests being that his grandfa-
ther 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 dif-
ference 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 grand-
children 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 oth-
ers organized by a group that he co-founded called though this was a moment ordained specifically for him. Eli-
B.R.I.D.G.E, INC. which took place at the Ouachita jah says he could not stay home and sit back and let this mo-
Parish Courthouse. In late May, OPPJ Vice President ment to take a stand pass him up. So he invited his sister and
District B, Jack Clampit made a Facebook post that his two brothers to join him in protesting. He says it was a
read “There is a simple way to control the looters, just proud moment for him to be a part of the movement, and he
two words. Choot em”. After receiving tons of back- wasn’t nervous at all. Elijah takes pride in using his voice and
lash from citizens in the Monroe community, the post was very excited about protesting. He says for far too long
has since been deleted. Elijah along with many others the majority has been silent and the minority has been loud.
in the community were outraged about the post, and Elijah believes if we all stand together in solidarity these
is asking for a resignation from Clampit. Elijah was behaviors will no longer exist. These behaviors have been
not nervous about being part of the protest; he said he condoned for far too long and people are no longer willing to
actually felt empowered and felt like this was the best sit by and allow this behavior to continue happening. Elijah
time for him to take a stand and speak up. He feels as believes justice for him would mean that his children and
his future grandchildren won’t have to live in a society where
Page 10 they are judged by the color of their skin. As Dr. King said,