Groups call for change, protest in Milwaukee for 16th consecutive day
MILWAUKEE -- A protest of both young and old voices marched three miles across Milwaukee on Saturday, June 13 -- ending at City Hall.
Protesters said they want the people to be able to hold police officers accountable with the creation of a new council. Now, they're hoping city leaders capable of such change will take action.
From the intersection of Layton Boulevard and Pierce Street on Milwaukee's south side, across the 16th Street viaduct and on to City Hall, hundreds marched to voice their support for the end of police brutality and the beginning of police reform. Specifically, the creation of a Civilian Police Accountability Council -- or CPAC.
Lauryn Cross
"Something like CPAC, or community control of the police, is putting the power back in the hands of people that have been oppressed for so long," said Lauryn Cross with Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, which led Saturday's march, says the council would replace and have more power than the current Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission. The organization also says it would be comprised of elected citizens instead of mayoral appointments.
Protesters march to Milwaukee City Hall
Brian Verdin
"I think it would make the streets safer if, in fact, the police knew that there would be serious repercussions if they were out here brutalizing or even murdering any citizens," Brian Verdin with Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said.
The protest featured strong support from young people; the group Youth Rising Up also took part. Formed at North Division High School, the group aims to stand up for what's right.
Youth Rising Up marches in Milwaukee protest
Protesters chalk messages at the base of Milwaukee City Hall
To ensure their message wasn't just heard, but received, protesters chalked messages at the base of City Hall hoping leaders will take notice -- and action.
Kimora Caldwell
"We've been walking up and down these streets, and there's still police brutality. No police officers are getting arrested, convicted, none of that," said Kimora Caldwell with Youth Rising Up. "If we write it for all y'all to see it, then there's no way y'all couldn't understand it."
Many protesters feel there are good police officers within local police departments, but say they can't trust officers until the "bad ones" are removed. In their proposal, CPAC would have the power to do just that.
Protests at Milwaukee City Hall
That group also wasn't the only protesting in the city on Saturday.
Chalk art was written in several languages outside Fiserv Forum. The art displayed messages in support of Black Lives Matter -- reminding men and women of color that they are strong, beautiful and loved.
Chalk art supporting Black Lives Matter outside Fiserv Fourm
Chalk art supporting Black Lives Matter outside Fiserv Fourm
Milwaukee elders held a sit-in for justice on Saturday. They brought lawn chairs and lined up along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near North Avenue.
Milwaukee elders hold sit-in for justice
Organizers of the sit-in provided masks and hand sanitizer -- they didn't want the fear of the pandemic to keep them from the streets.
"I just want everyone to know that being old doesn't mean we don't care," one protester said. "We're standing with these young folks."
There were also tables set up, helping seniors get registered to vote and to request an absentee ballot.
Further west, a group organized by Milwaukee activist Frank Nitty marched from Washington Park.
In a Facebook post-Saturday, Nitty wrote: "If we don't fight for us...who will?"
Dozens gathered to show their support, chanting "Black Lives Matter" and continuing to walk the streets. Among them, family of Joel Acevedo -- the Milwaukee man who died following an altercation with an off-duty Milwaukee police officer.
WATCH: protest march from Washington Park
Protesters march from Washington Park
In the suburbs, some Germantown High School students organized a march against police brutality and racial injustice.
Germantown protest organized by students
Dozens marched from the high school to the Germantown Police Department. Protesters said the goal was to be peaceful and bring people together to promote change for a good cause.
"Here we are in 2020 marching about something that should have...that shouldn't be here. That should be gone, racism," Germantown High School student Andrea Wu said. "I think it's important. It's finally time to put an end to it after so long."
Student protesters said police were on board with the idea and helped make sure the demonstrators got through traffic safely.