In a historic moment, tens of thousands poured into L.A. streets to protest against racism and police brutality.
As the Black Lives Matter protests continued in Los Angeles last week, the number of people showing up to speak out against racial injustice and police violence has soared. The movement has become a profound image of what a community can do when it bands together for a good cause.
Last Sunday, over 50,000 people gathered along Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue to march from 4 pm until 10 pm, as announced by the LAPD in a tweet. The march was organized by Black Lives Matter L.A., Build Power and promoted by the rapper YG, which drew masked masses from all races, ages groups and backgrounds, including celebrities.
The peaceful demonstration saw the enormous crowds kneel before proceeding to march past famous L.A. landmarks during the day. Later that evening the crowd began to disperse with some stopping on the corner of Hollywood and Highland for an improvised memorial for those that were lost to fatal encounters with law enforcement.
In an Instagram post, rapper Chikology, called for more people to “Take your flowers and candles and posters to the corner of Hollywood & Highland,” where the police have apparently granted permission for the entire corner to be taken up.
Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez and Michael B. Jordan were amongst the celebrities that joined in.
Jordan also delivered a speech on the matter, saying “We’ve got to keep agitating things. We can’t be complacent. We can’t let this moment just pass us by, we have to continue to put our foot on their necks.”
The flag atop the iconic Capitol Records building was replaced with a Black Lives Matter flag in a show of support.
Many noted how positive and peaceful the energy was in this powerful display of unity.
Smaller protests were seen in other parts of the city, including DTLA, West Hollywood, Venice and Beverly Hills.
While this was taking place, Garcetti announced that an intimidating squad of National Guards would be leaving L.A.—although some units would remain in close proximity in case their assistance was needed.
See more: How To Take Action And Support The Black Lives Matter Movement In L.A. Right Now
Featured Image: @producertommy