As promised, Black Lives Matter activists held protests in Chicago and Seattle on Black Friday, disrupting holiday shopping to raise awareness about what they call police misconduct toward minorities.
In Chicago, the protest along the “Magnificent Mile” was smaller than last year’s and fizzled out early because of the cold weather.
WATCH: #BlackLivesMatter protests target retailers in Chicago; disrupt Black Friday sales. pic.twitter.com/SJyG4V2Y4R
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 25, 2016
Protesters gathered about 10 a.m. near Chicago’s old Water Tower monument on North Michigan Avenue. Activists spoke to the gathering about police shootings and the need for action. Some in the crowd chanted, “No justice. No peace,” and “Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Rahm Emanuel has got to go.”
Shortly after 11 a.m. the crowd of about 150 to 200 people marched south along the Michigan Avenue sidewalk. Some gathered in front of the Ralph Lauren store and yelled, “Shut it down!” The group passed several high-end retail shops that dot the Magnificent Mile, breaking off into smaller groups.
One group linked arms in a circle outside the Victoria’s Secret store, but shoppers were able to enter and exit the store without a problem. Some onlookers snapped pictures of the protesters and carried on undeterred with their shopping.
Activists carried signs that said CPACNOW to promote their efforts. Most conservatives recognize the acronym CPAC to stand for Conservative Political Action Conference.
Black Lives Matter’s CPAC stands for the Civilian Police Accountability Council ordinance, which the BLM agitators want passed to oversee the Chicago Police Department.
Apple store & Nike now blocked by demonstrators, shoppers passing thru small path cordoned by police #CPACnow #boycottblackfriday Chicago pic.twitter.com/E2cG1cm3PC
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) November 25, 2016
Shops along Michigan between Erie and Huron blocked #boycottblackfriday Chicago #CPACnow pic.twitter.com/nKgxcUJ0pO
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) November 25, 2016
Next page: Crowds were larger in Seattle…
The Seattle protest was somewhat larger, drawing close to 1,000 activists who marched, chanted, and blocked streets.
Via KIRO 7 News:
Black Lives Matter demonstrators gathered at Westlake Center to disrupt holiday shopping.
So far, the protest has been peaceful, but the demonstration has split into two groups and both are on the move.
One remained in downtown Seattle on Fifth Avenue. At 2:30 p.m. it was near Seneca Street. A second group is headed toward Capitol Hill on Pike Street.
The protest will be going on during the annual tree lighting ceremony, which will be smaller this year, but organizers say the reason for the small ceremony is not because of the now-annual protests.
Tons of young people here. pic.twitter.com/SS1ARJT0NF
— Heidi Groover (@heidigroover) November 25, 2016
UPDATE: Demonstration is currently at 5th Ave & Pike St. pic.twitter.com/AgsltLczwy
— seattledot (@seattledot) November 25, 2016
Pro-refugee, anti-Trump messages here. Heading south on 5th. pic.twitter.com/L7qRmEbX5Y
— Heidi Groover (@heidigroover) November 25, 2016
We're in Zara, police blocking entrance to rest of mall. "Black lives matter, not Black Friday" pic.twitter.com/PRAC6zf33F
— Heidi Groover (@heidigroover) November 25, 2016
~1,000 people here pic.twitter.com/9WgHXOcZuV
— Heidi Groover (@heidigroover) November 25, 2016
Demonstration heading West on Pine St from 4th Ave. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/09hWuEGbcU
— seattledot (@seattledot) November 25, 2016
The protest was scheduled to last until 8:00 pm. KIRO is live-streaming here.
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