Chicago 'Black Friday' Protest Makes Fewer Waves This Year
(CBS) -- Crowds were definitely smaller than last year, but activists in a Black Friday protest in Chicago felt it was important to raise awareness about what they say is continued police misconduct.
CBS 2's Sandra Torres reports.
They began with a rally at 10 a.m., at the Old Water Tower monument along Michigan Avenue.
They shouted some of the same slogans as last year, such as "Sixteen shots and a coverup," a reference to the controversy over the 2014 fatal police-involved shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald.
The crowds were noticeably smaller.
Still, Willie Williamson, said, "We want to let people know there is some people out here who are trying to get truth and fighting for justice."
Protesters said their continuing goal is to raise awareness about Chicago police misconduct toward minorities.
"Teachers understand this issue because we work in the communities really affected by police terror, by racial profiling," Chicago Public Schools teacher Nicholas Limbeck said.
For several hours, the activists marched on the sidewalk of the Magnificent Mile, upsetting some shoppers.
"I think it's a little ridiculous to protest like this. Don't you have anything better to do?" shopper Liz Barlow said.
The group also locked arms to block people from going in and out of stores.
"We are shutting down business to remind everybody of what happened last year," Gerrit Hatcher said.
At times, there were some clashes between police and protesters. One demonstrator appeared to be detained when he ran into a Crate & Barrel store.
But mostly it remained peaceful.
Last year, some merchants along Michigan Avenue said sales went down by up to 50 percent on Black Friday due to the protests. Those protests went on from morning through the night. This week's protest only lasted until about 2:30 in the afternoon. Three arrests were reported by city officials.