An officer overlooks a rally against police brutality at Columbia Park, Monday, Nov. 4
About a hundred community members and students gathered at Columbia Park on the corner of Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Broad Street Monday evening, Nov. 4 to protest police brutality.
“Two of my good friends were recently assaulted by cops right outside Broad and Cecil by Dunkin Donuts,” said organizer Sarah Giskin, a junior.
Student Kashara White, who also saw the incident unfold, said it was the starting point for her and Giskin’s campaign.
“After this incident, we’ve been connecting with a lot of people in the community who’ve been in situations very similar to that.”
Organizers of the event called on city officials to form a Police Accountability Council, through which elected community members can investigate corruption and repeat use of excessive force.
“It’s unacceptable for cops to abuse their power. There’s no reason they should be laying a hand on anyone unless it’s 100 percent necessary and that person is a physical threat,” Giskin said.
Following the rally, protesters marched to the 22nd District Police Station on 17th and Montgomery.
“This is furthering the local community and Temple coming together and looking out for everybody,” attendee Mia Reed said. “People need to have their voices heard, to talk about police brutality, because we feel like its something often overshadowed and needs more attention.”
Police presence was felt at the event, although they kept their distance. Patrol cars from both the Temple University Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department followed alongside the marchers on their way to the police station. The officers declined to comment.
-Rob DiRienzo
