On MLK Day, Penn Protesters March Against Racial & Social Injustice
By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – "Momma, black bodies are dead in the streets."
That's what protesters were singing as they made their way on Locust Walk at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dozens of students gathered, calling this a movement to reclaim Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a day for peaceful protest.
"If you want to talk about the Civil Rights Movement, if you want to talk about the work that has been done, we have to realize the work that still needs to be done," said Mariam Harris.
Two organizations called SOUL and "In Defense of Black Bodies" marched from University City to Center City to join thousands in the larger protest.
Organizers say MLK Day shouldn't be a day of service but rather a day to recognize injustice.
"In light of recent events and going-on events, I guess, the onslaught on violence against black bodies in this country," says Harris.
Philadelphia and Penn police were on hand to make sure the rally stayed peaceful.
"Our job is to make sure they are safe and everyone around them is safe," explained Maureen Rush, with Penn Public Safety.
Students are demanding attention on many social issues – including police brutality, raising the minimum wage and increasing funds for the city's public schools.
"They closed down upwards of 23 public schools. Where are those black kids going to get their education?" Harris asks.
"[We] uplift, sustain and support the communities that don't have the privilege to be complacent," says Emanuel Martinez, a member of SOUL.
Organizers hope more students will become aware of these social issues and join the movement.
"It is the youth who are being targeted, so it is our movement," says Harris.
And that's a movement many came out to fight for.
