Pittsburgh joins Freddie Gray protests

Due to the recent death of 25-year old Freddie C. Gray Jr. of Baltimore, Md., the city of Baltimore has been in a complete uproar. On May 1, state prosecutor’s received a medical report, ruling Gray’s death a homicide.
“This is a time for solidarity, for connection, and support, and we are calling to an end to the violence in terms of Police Brutality. We’re calling to an end of the system of White Supremacy. It needs to stop,” Freddie Gray Rally Organizer, 16-year-old Joan Mukogosi of Winchester Thurston School said.
Gray’s death has resulted in a series of ongoing protests and civil disorders, and those protests have made their way to Pittsburgh.  On May 2, hundreds of people gathered at the scene for a justice rally in honor of Gray at Schenley Plaza in Oakland.

Protestors and rally attendees filled the entire venue, holding signs saying, “Stop Racist Police Terror” and “Fist Up, Fight Back.” The message of the rally was clear, the people of Pittsburgh want to stand for solidarity, and they feel racism is alive and well in Pittsburgh.
Mukogosi organized the rally, along with several of her classmates. Police estimated approximately 200 people at the rally.
“I have a social responsibility to be here today,” said David Wise of University Prep. “And I have a social responsibility to make everyone aware that this is a problem, not only in our city, but for our country, and our world. I feel that if I come here, and I spread the word that I heard here today that it will help one other person. In hopes that they will spread the word to others as well, and before you know it, it will be all over the world.”
People of Pittsburgh, Black and White, flooded the streets of Oakland for the causes of justice, peace and equality. Students spoke about the importance of young people participating in the fight against police brutality and racism happening worldwide.
“I feel that change starts within, and we are coming together for an important cause; its in unity,” said Haley Gorey, 17, of Trinity Christian School. “I feel this is a big issue over the nation, communication is key. And to see everyone be here to support the same cause is really good.”
Mukogosi said that she was happy with the night’s turnout, but also made known her disappointment with the incidents taking place nationally regarding people of color within the past few months.
The rally took place just one day after Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged six police officers in the Baltimore Police Department with murder, manslaughter  and other charges in the arrest and fatal injury of Gray.
The crowd chanted throughout the rally, “Black Lives Matter” with signs and fists held high.
(J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
 
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