MIRAMAR, FLA. (WSVN) - Demonstrators participated in a funeral procession throughout Miramar, and each of the vehicles was marked with the name of a black man or woman who has been killed due to race-related violence.
The Cool Church organized the demonstration protesting systemic racism and to symbolize a day of mourning, Wednesday.
“These people have died in an undignified manner,” Terrance Wilson said. “We want to bring some dignity back to the lives that they’ve lived. Join us in solidarity as we make a movement for peace.”
Since the killing of George Floyd, protesters around the country and the world have been marching in the streets to demand change.
“We want justice,” Patrick Lolo said. “We want the end of racism.”
With the increased charges for former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder and the remaining three officers now facing charges of their own, many of the protesters believe their actions are forcing change.
Demonstrators honked their horns and cheered when they found out about Chauvin’s upgraded charges, and three other Minneapolis Police officers were charged with his death, as well.
“The first thing that came to mind was ‘About time,’ but in the same efforts, at least that’s the start of a process,” Rosey, a protester, said.
Protesters stood united in several cities across Broward County to demand racial equality. There was a march in Davie and a sit-in at a school in Pembroke Pines.
“We’ve been fighting for years, and we still have to fight,” Chiara Rigaud said. “It’s 2020. I have little cousins, I have friends who are younger than me trying to figure out if it’s OK to talk to police. If you see police, what should you do? Police are supposed to protect and serve our citizens.”
Seniors at Somerset Academy could not have a graduation because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they used a pivotal moment in their lives to be a part of something bigger.
“I would like to see that cops are held accountable for their actions,” protest organizer Jada Woullard said. “It’s really that simple.”
Protesters in Miramar also said they are grateful they have the support of local law enforcement agencies.
“What happened in Minneapolis is extremely disturbing,” Hallandale Beach Police Chief Sonia Quinones said. “Not one single of our officers believe that was the right action to take. It was wrong.”
To make sure the protesters remain involved past Wednesday’s demonstration, the church registered all participants to vote.
Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale Police are asking for any video or photos of when Officer Steven Pohorence shoved a young protester. Pohorence has been suspended with pay while the investigation proceeds.
Broward County officials lifted the curfew that was put in place following the demonstrations over the weekend, but Miami-Dade County continues to have a curfew from midnight to 6 a.m.
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