May 30, 2020
On May 30, 2020, beginning with hundreds of people gathering at the Art Museum steps in a solidarity action in support of Minneapolis and the various uprisings occurring across the country in response to police terrorism Philadelphians participated in an action spotlighting this injustice. Speeches from BLM Philly organizers kicked off the gathering and addressed the police killings of Black people continuing to occur despite a global pandemic. As protestors gathered, the police murders of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Tony McDade in Tallahassee, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Regis Korchinski-Paquet in Toronto, and George Floyd In Minneapolis were brought to light. Inspired by the struggle of comrades in Minneapolis engaged in a righteous struggle against white supremacist state violence the protestors moved from the Art Museum steps down the Parkway towards Center City.
After moving to Center City, it was clear the Philadelphia Police force intended to prevent the protestors from continuing in their march. Barricades and bikes were used to prevent further movement and create separation among groups of people. The PPD used tear gas on citizens further highlighting the very cause of the action.
