MIAMI (WSVN) - A group of young activists gathered at the Torch of Friendship in downtown Miami to protest racial inequality, systemic racism and police brutality on Juneteenth, the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S.
Organizers said Friday’s event was hosted by a group of high school students and other young activists.
“Juneteenth, the best time to do this is on this day,” teacher Kylan Lee said. “It’s so important for us to know our history and know the importance of mobilizing, and Juneteenth is the best day to do this.”
Several organizations are involved in the demonstration, but the 305 Black Youth Project is the main entity behind the event.
“With all the killing of innocent black people in America, I mean this has been going on for a long time,” Valencia Gunder, the campaign director for the New Florida Majority, said. “It’s not just adults or just men or just women, youth are also being killed, mistreated and harmed by police in school, outside of school, and today, our message is their lives matter. All of our lives matter, but today, black youth, your life matters, and people need to know that, and we want all of our black youth that’s not here to know and understand that.”
7Skyforce hovered over the scene of the protest where dozens of people could be seen standing in a circle in front of the Torch of Friendship.
Some people call Juneteenth America’s true independence day. The date commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free.
Another demonstration was held in Lauderdale Lakes where protesters participated in a caravan to commemorate Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth is a day of freedom for black people in America,” Gunder said. “This is our independence day.”
Protesters have also called for officials to defund the police.
Organizers said rallies like theirs are a small part of the work they’re trying to do.
Volunteers at the downtown Miami protest registered some of the teenagers in attendance to vote in the upcoming election, so they can get more young voters to the polls.
“Representation matters, and in order to be represented, you have to vote,” Lee said. “It’s not just for the president of the United States. You have to also vote for your school board members. You have to vote for the individuals who are going to be your attorney general. You have to vote for the mayor. You have to vote for all of these individuals because the policies that affect your community start with who you put in office.”
Volunteers said they registered nearly two dozen new young voters on Friday.
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