Rally to support Black Lives Matter message set for Common on Sunday

ROCHESTER - A rally to support the Black Lives Matter movement will be held at the Rochester Common on Sunday from 4-6 p.m.

Allies United for Change, a newly formed local group, bills itself as a community organization of "peaceful activists working towards a fair and just future for all."

Allies United for Change isn't affiliated with any similar rallies that have occurred in recent weeks, the group notes.

The organization urges anyone attending to observe COVID-19 guidance during the event.

"Please join us for a peaceful rally to bring awareness and support to the Black Lives Matter movement," a statement on their event page reads. "Our goal is for this to be a respectful, family friendly event."

Speakers for the event include Jamie Perkins of Rochester, who is a podcast host and small business owner; Ronelle Tshiela, a UNH political science student at who helped start Black Lives Matter Manchester; Joanna Kelly, a Spaulding High graduate who lives in Portsmouth and owns "Cup if Joe" there; and Sophie O'Brian, who is getting ready to enter Spaulding High and is the face of Little Miss Sophie's restaurant in Rochester