The Steve Young - “Black Lives Matter” Protest

The Atlantic City, Steve Young, Black Lives Matter protest event was large in advanced billing and anticipation. It was ultimately small in scope and size.

Here’s a recap of what happened.

The crowd built to between 40-50 by 1:00 p.m. outside of the Clayton Graham Public Safety Building at California and Atlantic Avenues.

Event organizer Young arrived at approximately 1:45 p.m.

Yes, Young was late arriving for his own event. Ironic, yes. Yet, quite fitting.

Young spoke for a while about racial injustice. Then, the group walked South to The Peter Egnor Memorial Bridge, aka, The Albany Avenue Bridge.

The protest rally proceeded to block passage on the bridge. But, only for a brief moment.

The Atlantic City Police Department were incredibly professional throughout today’s event. They cleared the protesters without incident, or, arrest.

The protestors next proceeded to walk on Arctic Avenue towards the Atlantic City Expressway.

They briefly succeeded in blocking the Atlantic City Expressway.

The Atlantic City Police again moved in quickly.

The ACPD efficiently cleared the area. Most of Young’s rally attendees knew what was coming next and they took off running.

This left only Young and about six others, who were promptly arrested without incident by the Atlantic City Police.

The good news is that there are no reported injuries.

The smaller than expected crowd was enthusiastic, but, not violent.

No reports of property damage.

A special note of recognition to the American Legion Riders for their positive snd courageous example today.

Here is an official communication from Michael Merlino, who gave me permission to report this on-air earlier today. They were in position prior to today’s 1:00 p.m. start time.

“28 patriots in place at monuments. The American Legion Riders, Post 352, Somers Point & Post 252, Williamstown, with the backing of the VFW and Post commander are mobilizing in Atlantic City to protect the military monuments located at Brighton Park (The Korean War Monument) and The All Wars Monuments located off The John O’Donnell Parkway.

This is a non-confrontational movement and not against the protest by BLM today.

We think it is important to protect the monuments honoring those who sacrificed for every freedom and liberty we ALL enjoy daily.

This is personal also, as, two of my uncles names are on the “WWII Honor Roll Memorial” located at the All Wars Memorial.

God bless our military & God bless America!”

Mike Merlino, President
American Legion Riders
POST 352

In the end, Steve Young caused minimal disruption today in Atlantic City, but, perhaps maximum self-inflicted damage to himself.

As things stand now, it is very likely that Young will be removed from the Atlantic City Planning Board and citizen’s Advisory Council.

My public position about this from the beginning is that you simply can't be allowed to hold such positions of public trust, while working against the interests of the city.

Finally, great credit is due to the Atlantic City Police Department. They were prepared for anything.

No other outside law enforcement assistance was required today. The ACPD handled everything that came their way with the highest degree of professionalism.

But,in addition to the ACPD, the ACPO, ACSD, NCDC and NJSP were all involved in the planning and run-up to today’s protest event.

Kudos to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and Atlantic City Council President George Tibbitt. They exhibited focused leadership from the beginning to end.

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