Harlem community rallies in defense of Black woman attacked at liquor store
The group of demonstrators is seen marching in the New York streets, chanting 'Protect Black Women!'
Several members of the Harlem community in New York City rallied on Saturday in support of a Black woman who was attacked outside of a liquor store on Jan. 18.
The 31-year-old woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, had entered a Harlem liquor store to make a purchase when three young men asked her to retrieve liquor for them, according to ABC News. After politely declining to do so, she was followed and subsequently attacked right outside of the store.
A surveillance camera captured the attack. The woman says she was punched, kicked and her face was bitten. “I was mauled, this is more than being bitten,” she said.
Read More: Woman says man tried to bite eye out during assault at NY liquor store
NBC News reports that she was also spit on during the attack. “I couldn’t believe it, it was like an animal,” she said. “That’s the only way I can put it, it was like an animal.” According to police, her $750 iPhone was stolen during the attack as well.
The police are still investigating the incident and in search for all three suspects.
The Harlem community has responded to the woman’s attack. On Saturday, a group of residents took to the Harlem streets in protest. Video of the demonstration was captured and posted on social media. In one Instagram post by Rachel Noerdlinger, the group of demonstrators is seen marching in the New York streets, chanting “Protect Black Women!”
CBS News reports that several of the protesters gathered outside of the liquor store where the woman was attacked. Among the protesters was the activist group, SAVE (Stand Against Violence East Harlem), urging the people to protect women in the neighborhood.
“If we don’t do it, who [will],” said SAVE Director Omar Jackson. “It’s our responsibility, it’s our duty to protect our women and children in our community.”
READ MORE: Black-owned Harlem restaurant, Ponty Bistro, robbed and vandalized
One community advocate, Tony Herbert, is offering a cash reward for anyone who can provide information that will lead to the capture of the three attackers. “What took place here is atrocious,” Herbert told NBC New York. “To assault a sister like this is an insult and a direct attack on every woman in our city.”
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