It was the first time these children and some of their parents had ever protested. They were heard all over the busy streets chanting, “No Justice. No Peace.” and “We Have A Voice too.”
The Atlanta Mayor’s Office estimated a little over 500 children peacefully protested through the narrow Buckhead shopping district’s street. Adult protesters were impressed with the amount of support and how diverse there protest was.
Tierra Veney, the lead organizer spoke to the audience about the importance of unity and giving children a space to express themselves.
The Healthy Youth USA Foundation, a youth development organization, joined the organizing efforts by promoting the event, providing water to the young freedom fighters and donating loud speaker equipment to protest leaders so they could be heard over the passionate young audience.
Executive Director Charles Sharper thanked all the young protesters and parents who protested for three hours on that 88-degree Georgia sun.
“It simply shows how committed and passionate these youth are,” Sharper said.
He also praised APD zone commander Major Andrew for greeting the young protesters and making the crowd feel welcomed in the Atlanta’s high-end shopping district.
The day ended peacefully with children and their families leaving proud to have had the opportunity to be heard. After the protest, the organizers cleaned the utilized space leaving the streets cleaner then they were when they arrived.
Photography/Videography by Trarell Torrence
