On Oct. 22, more than 100 people gathered at the corner of Haight and Stanyon near Golden Gate Park for an annual
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Families of victims of police brutality led the march. The lead banners were black and displayed the names police violence victims. Demonstrators also wore black clothes for the solemn occasion. The march went to Justin Herman Park for the closing rally. At the park memorial walls were constructed listing the names of victims to police brutality from around the country.
Ernestene Florence, an Idriss Stelley Foundation organizer, told PSLweb.org why the annual march against police brutality was significant,” It’s about oppression and violence; it’s important that people stand up and say something. What they are doing is criminal; people can not be silent.”
At the closing rally, family members of police brutality victims shared their painful stories. They recounted police shootings and beatings of unarmed people of color. They noted that the racist cops committed these crimes with impunity.
After hearing the personal accounts of racist police violence, Anita Burns, a youth from South Palo Alto, told PSLweb.org, “I think it’s important to tell your story. When we come out and show our support, the families of victims know they are not on their own.” Burns said, “It’s up to us to be united and fight back against police brutality.”
