PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphians gathered at City Hall on Tuesday for a protest, vigil and march to remember Black people who died by the hands of law enforcement.
Holding signs, riding bikes, and chanting through the streets of Center City, dozens of protesters joined together to show support for Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was killed by a white police officer during a traffic stop in suburban Minneapolis.
"I just saw something and I thought I should do something about it. We're standing in solidarity with Minnesota, and letting them know we're not taking anymore," said Marsha, who declined to give her last name.
Marsha says their message is clear, and they want the world to hear it.
"We're here, we've seen what you did, and we're not going to give you any leeway until there is justice served," she said.
Grant Taylor, 16, from North Philadelphia says he felt compelled to join the protest because, when he looks at Daunte Wright, he thinks that that could be him. He says, in his neighborhood, relationships with the police aren't good, and he wants to work to change that.
He says the main thing that brought him out is his family.
"And I'm just worried that my little siblings can't walk in the street free or have freedom in life," he said.
Many at the rally said they were mindful to the protest from being highjacked by looters and people vandalizing businesses, as protests over the death of George Floyd last summer were.