As I posted late Wednesday night, protester Nelson Hernandez was reported missing by family, having last been seen in the early morning hours of August 26. His image was heavily circulated to thousands on social media in and around Plainfield, not to mention a Nixle notification.

On Friday, it was Nelson himself who was able to contact loved ones over three days into his disappearance. After suffering a breakdown earlier in the week and winding up in a Manhattan hospital with no identification, yesterday evening Hernandez was well enough to reach out to his family who immediately went to visit him. “He looks well,” said brother Eddy Hernandez, “but just a little off.” With treatment the family looks forward to Nelson returning to his usual self.

They’d also like to thank the many people who got the word out about Nelson. “It really means a lot,” says brother Eddy.

We are all grateful for his safe return.

Nelson Hernandez, August 24th

Protest cancelled

Unrelated to Nelson’s disappearance, this week’s protest against violence has been canceled. Organizers of the group now known as #KYSS (Keeping Youth & Streets Safe in Plainfield), insist the protest-free Labor Day weekend should not be taken as a sign they are slowing down. In fact, quite the contrary.

Due to how quickly they have taken off and received rapidly increasing attention, including from print media, word from the leadership is that they’d like to strengthen their organization and cultivate some new ideas.

Via the group’s Facebook page, organizer Nia Ali issued a challenge for the next demonstration on September 7th – an increase from thirty to fifty participants.