Protesters in New Center area (Photo: WDIV video)
It's been nearly 53 years since the Detroit rebellion began at the corner of 12th and Clairmount. On Friday, protesters against police brutality marched through the area.
And as they walked in the warm temperatures, residents came onto porches and balconies to cheer, reports Detroit Free Press editor Jim Schaefer. The protesters chanted back: “March with us!”
On Clairmount, near where the 1967 civil disturbance ignited, people are coming out on their porches and balconies to cheer and the march chants back: “March with us!” pic.twitter.com/ydwGcGeVsP
— Jim Schaefer (@DetroitReporter) June 5, 2020
Marchers walked through parts of the city Friday night, and shortly before 8 p.m., leaders acknowledged that some might be ready to call it a night. After 8 p.m., hundreds still marched through the New Center area, Midtown and downtown.
“For those who choose to leave, we appreciate you," a person said, according to the Freep.
Shortly before 6 p.m., protesters stopped to sing "Happy Birthday" in honor of the late Breonna Taylor at Rosa Parks and Grand River. Louisville police two months ago mistakenly killed Taylor, an emergency room technician.
Earlier in the day, protesters went to Belle Isle.
In Macomb County earlier, just over a dozen people gathered in the central part of the Shelby Township government complex to protest comments made by Police Chief Robert Shelide, which critics saw as glorifying police brutality, The Macomb Daily reports. The event was organized by members of the Detroit Solidarity Movement.
