Second Day Of Demonstrations In Philadelphia Protesting Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Hundreds rallied in Philadelphia as part of a second day of demonstrations protesting the grand jury's decision in Ferguson.
The crowd moved from City Hall and throughout North Philadelphia. The protests were passionate, but peaceful.
Several hundred gathered at City Hall around 3 p.m. Tuesday and marched up Broad Street for a rally near Cecil B. Moore Avenue carrying signs and a large poster of Michael Brown.
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"We are here taking up this space saying no more, no mas."
Protest organizers from the student group People Utilizing Real Power calling the grand jury decision a rallying call to demand justice.
"This is political warfare, that's what this is."
And underneath the battle cries there is pain and frustration, but determination.
"The death of Sean Bell, the death of Trayvon Martin, the death of Mike Brown I feel like all of this collectively it is a civil rights movement, it never stopped," a protester said.
Clergy was there in force, showing support and rallying the crowd.
Twenty-five year old Lawrence told his story during the rally, saying something has to change.
"There is so much injustice and brutality it's pathetic and it's got to come to a stop."
The group then marched to the 9th police district.
"No one has been harmed, no private property has been damaged, so obviously we want to give them that space and we haven't done anything to restrict their expression," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan said.
Chopper 3 was over the scene of a protest at Rittenhouse Square late Tuesday night.
"I want them to know that they are not alone. They are not alone in knowing that this is an injustice, that this is not okay, and that this is a countrywide issue and we're in Philly, we're not in Ferguson, and we're still trying to stand up for what's right," said Janet Gleason.
"We want to think long-term and I think part of it has to do with being organized, and getting organized and getting involved," said Jonathan Paz.
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