Protesters returned for a second consecutive day of peaceful marching through Boston to demand justice for the killing of Breonna Taylor and other victims of police violence.
After a grand jury's decision not to charge the Louisville, Kentucky police officers responsible for Taylor's shooting death, demonstrations have intensified this week across the country and in the Bay State. Marchers continue to call for all three officers involved in Taylor's death to be charged with murder.
But many attendees also expressed that the issue extends beyond this one case, and exemplifies a broader series of racial injustices.
"It's very important that we get change because the racism is not going to end until we get change and the only way for that to happen is with movement like this, for people to come together to fight for justice," said Luisa Barros, who attended protests on Saturday.
There did not seem to be a sizable police presence during marches this afternoon. Gov. Charlie Baker has activated the National Guard in preparation for today's events.
These protests follow a rally and march demanding justice for Breonna Taylor that saw hundreds of people gather in Nubian Square Friday evening.
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It was a peaceful protest, but one in which many demonstrators, especially Black women, echoed similar sentiments. Feelings of hopelessness, hurt, anger and the idea that a young lady who was sleeping in her home could be killed during a police operation and none of the officers involved were actually charged for shooting her.
An announcement that the officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor would not be charged came on Wednesday this past week. One officer was charged with wanton endangerment.
Mayor Marty Walsh on Friday asked protestors to remain peaceful following a Lousiville protest earlier in the week during which two police officers were shot.
"People are deeply upset, but we cannot turn to violence to express our pain," said Walsh. "I'm asking people planning to demonstrate in Boston tonight and over the weekend to respect the city."
The protests scheduled are as follows:
Boston Ride for Black Lives IV
A bike ride will take place from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at White Stadium at 450 Walnut St. in Boston. According to the event's official Facebook page, it is "a bike ride in solidarity with the fight against systems and acts of oppression, police brutality, criminal injustice system against, and murder of Black people."
Boston Let Our Families Drive
A march and rally is scheduled to take place from 2-4 p.m. outside of the Registry of Motor Vehicles at 136 Blackstone St., Boston. The event was planned in hopes to hold legislators accountable to support "expanding access to driver's licenses across the Commonwealth," according to the organization's Facebook page.
Boston 2 Louisville-Justice 4 Breonna Taylor
A protest will take place from 3-5 p.m. at the Jim Rice Ballfield at Ramsey Boulevard, 1999 Ball St., Boston. According to the event's Facebook page, protestors are asking for justice for Breonna Taylor and for the officers who shot her to be charged.
Boston We Are Change Rally
There will be a socially distant march and rally "to show support for a 'movement towards social justice that does not become stagnant,' " according to the official Facebook page. The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at Parkman Bandstand, 139 Tremont St., Boston.
