From Ferguson to Pittsburgh, people of all different shapes and sizes are taking over the streets with organized protests and rallies. Citizens throughout the city of Pittsburgh came together Dec. 12 to let voices be heard and stand for the cause. The rally took place in East Liberty Town Square, on the corner of Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue.
“Black Lives Matter!“ was what the crowd chanted as they paraded at the corner of one of the busiest intersections in East Liberty.
The community came together to demand justice for Leon Ford and the many others who have been harmed by out of control policemen. Ford was shot by a police officer two years ago. The crowd and organizers said that Ford is one of the many African-American males who were harmed due to stereotypes, racial profiling and a cop who decided to take the law into his own hands. Due to being shot five times by Pittsburgh Police Officer David Derbish, Ford is now paralyzed from the waist down. However, he is still alive to tell his story, and advocate for justice.
A protestor named, Brittany Tunstalle said, “I have such a high level of respect for Leon, because he has been putting up an incredible fight during this entire ordeal. We have to continue to fight for change and justice. Not only in Pittsburgh, but all over the world.”
Several African-American female activists took the stand, and led the rally in chants. Officer Derbish was recently moved from Zone 5 to Zone 4 due to all the controversy around the Leon Ford case. During the rally, they demanded that he be fired, and no longer be able to work as a police officer. They also demanded that District Attorney Stephen Zappala dismiss all remaining charges against Ford.
Ford was not able to speak during the rally because he is still under a gag order authorized by the state. As they chanted for the gag order to be lifted, so that Ford’s voice can be heard. At 6:40 p.m. the rally marched down Highland Avenue, escorted by the Police yelling chants and proudly holding up signs. The sound of car horns filled the air as people in the midst of the traffic, saw the rally and honk their horn to show support.
A protestor, Nick Sampson said, “I heard Leon’s story through social media, and ever since then I have supported his journey. And not only do I support Leon, but I also support Mike Brown, Eric Garner, and others. The system is broken, and we can no longer lie down and take the abuse.”
“No justice, no peace,” is what the rally chanted during the march. Donations are also being accepted for Ford as well as T-Shirts for sale to advertise the cause. To be a part of the movement, and be contacted about Ford events in the future visit www.justiceforleon.com.
