Voices of the protest: young demonstrators explain why they rally

Reuters Videos
Updated

The young voices of anti-racism protests

in the wake of George Floyd's death

the unarmed black man killed in police custody

Location: New York

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROTESTER, 19-YEAR-OLD JEI MCGILL FROM QUEENS, NEW YORK, SAYING:

"It's not something that, you know, just started recently. It's something now that's... it's a cup. It's been filling since Trayvon Martin. And we've just seen it over and over and over and over again, injustice being mishandled and dealt with in the wrong way. And it just... it all culminates up to this moment now."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROTESTER, 30-YEAR-OLD ALYSSA SMITH FROM CALIFORNIA, SAYING:

"As a black woman, my people created this country. We were raped and pillaged to make this country, and it's my responsibility to continue to fight for them and fight for my people and for every color and creed in America who is tired of police brutality and people getting away with murder."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) 22-YEAR-OLD KATIE BURNS FROM BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, SAYING:

"We need to stand up and be allies for the black community. We need to listen to them. We need to be willing to open our minds and be educated by them, learn from them. Yeah, yes I'm angry. I'm angry. I'm out here. I'm angry. I want justice. I want the community to feel safe."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) 16-YEAR-OLD TYLER NEGRON FROM NEW JERSEY, SAYING:

"... It's sad, it's sickening to see this. I wish we were all treated the same way. I wish, because you have to look at someone for who they truly are and not for their skin color. No. It shouldn't be like that."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROTESTER, 30-YEAR-OLD ALYSSA SMITH FROM CALIFORNIA, SAYING:

"It is about making sure our society works for us all. Period. That's all anybody wants. Please don't get stuck in the cycle of violence. That's not what this is about. And for those who are doing that, you need to stop."