Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. started the Poor People's Campaign to fight systemic racism and poverty. More than 100 people gathered outside the State House Monday as part of a nationwide re-launch of Dr. King’s Poor People's Campaign.
Those issues hit close to home for Asma Elhuni. She said she's experienced economic hard times, and she's also concerned about an increase in acts of hatred toward Muslims.
“That has to change. And I’m talking not just individual hatred but also policies that are created that target the Muslim community,” she said.
At the demonstration, faith leaders from across New Hampshire touched on a number of issues, including increasing the minimum wage, improving access to health care, and getting family medical leave legislation passed.
Afterward, people sang and marched around the State House, culminating in an act of civil disobedience. Six people blocked traffic on North State Street. Onlookers sang as police approached.
All six demonstrators were arrested.
Rallies will be held at the New Hampshire State House every Monday for the next six weeks to address other social challenges.
