'Justice For Trayvon' Group Rallies In Beverly Hills
BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — A group which bills itself as "Justice for Trayvon Martin-Los Angeles" rallied in Beverly Hills on Wednesday evening.
Several hundred demonstrators marched west on Wilshire Boulevard, according to Gil Leyvas who was over the rally in Sky9.
Leyvas reported the group didn't get the necessary permit to assemble and march but BHPD decided to let them go ahead with the march as long as it remains peaceful.
Organizers with Occupy San Fernando Valley told CBS2 they expected around 250 people to participate in the "peaceful rally" beginning at La Cienega Park and continuing toward Wilshire Boulevard and Beverly.
It appears the group picked up protesters along the way.
"We are tired of being seen as 2nd class citizens with no protection available to us." said organizer Patrisse Cullors before the march began.
Members of the group told KCAL9's Serene Branson that they want to see the Department of Justice file charges against George Zimmerman for denying Martin his civil rights.
At a few junctures along the three-hour march, Branson said protesters remained peaceful but on occasion they blocked rush-hour traffic.
"We are disrupting business as usual," said Sharlia Gulley, "to make a statement. Our lives matter and it can't go back to business as usual."
Another protester said, "I think it's important for us to move around the city. This is not just an issue for Leimert Park. It's an issue for the whole country. So why only stay in Leimert Park? Everyone needs to hear the message. We need to galvanize support from all areas of Los Angeles."
One resident disagreed with the protest and told Branson, "I think they are actually causing more chaos and actually promoting more racial tension."
