‘We can’t stay silent anymore’: Protesters march in uptown calling for police reform

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In Charlotte on Saturday, dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters carried a message, calling for an end to police violence.

They said the Jacob Blake shooting and recent actions by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are proof that police reform needs to happen soon.

Protesters marched from the Black Lives Matter mural in uptown and then stopped outside the CMPD headquarters.

On the minds of many -- recently released body camera footage from the night CMPD used tear gas on protesters in uptown.

“Seeing it -- it was actually premeditated. Even they say it wasn’t -- is disgusting and horrendous. They are supposed to be here to protect and serve us. Clearly, they are not. Clearly, it was a malicious attack,” said protester Daciay Quenah.

NAACP chapter President Corine Mack spoke about police shootings in Charlotte and then led the march to Marshall Park.

Many are also thinking of Jacob Blake, a Wisconsin man shot seven times in the back.

“It’s exhausting. I’m exhausted. My friends are exhausted,” Quenah said. “While progress is slow, I am trying to stay optimistic.”

Families brought their children, while some carried the children on their backs. Speakers took turns sharing their thoughts at Marshall Park.

“I want to show them that I am here for them, that when they are tired, they can lean on their white community members to pick up the charge for them. We can’t stay silent anymore,” said protester Tabitha Lafferty.

Demonstrators said there is a lot of pain and a lot of work that needs to be done, but that this moment and this movement have a lot of love too.

“It’s the hope and the love that moves us into action and makes this type of movement sustainable,” Lafferty said.

Multiple sporting events cancelled, postponed in response to Jacob Blake shooting (NCD)

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