As the sun sets over Los Angeles, chants echo through the streets, signs wave above heads and thousands of voices rise together – each driven by personal reasons or collective purposes, as well as an unwavering belief in change. Amid a week of civil unrest, curfews, clashes with law enforcement, protesters in LA say their presence on the streets is more than simply one event: it represents a fight for justice, equity and accountability that extends far beyond any single event or individual confrontations with law enforcement.
“This fight is important and personal for me,” stated 24-year-old Jasmine Owens, a recent college graduate who has been attending protests daily since last weekend. Her brother was arrested without cause last year, costing them thousands in legal fees to clear his name and clear up their name. Owens feels it’s vitally important that no one must live fearful lives due to those supposed to protect them.
Protests sparked by national outrage over police violence and political division have snowballed into a widespread movement demanding systemic change. Protesters often express various motivations for participating in these protests — from advocating for marginalized communities to opposing militarized policing practices and government overreach.
Jasmine sees her participation as personal; others take it more as an act of solidarity. Marcus Lopez, 41 and father to two, feels obliged to attend these protests as an “example”.
“My students and kids are watching,” he lamented, “and we must work towards building a better future by speaking up now rather than staying silent in classrooms that teach history but are experiencing it right now. We teach these issues as it unfolds.”
Los Angeles protests have remained mostly peaceful during the day but have become more volatile at night, as police presence increases significantly and remains under a 7 p.m. curfew. Yet thousands continue to march through key areas like Pershing Square, Fairfax District and City Hall while holding signs reading “Justice Now”, “No More Silence”, and “Protect Our People”.
Many protesters have voiced their disappointment with media portrayals of demonstrations as chaotic or violent. “We’re not rioting; we’re resisting,” noted college student Rayna Kim. People should understand this distinction between resistance and rioting; instead, focus should remain on communicating a meaningful message instead of reacting violently at flashpoints.
Mayor Karen Bass made clear this week that Los Angeles residents have demanded real, tangible change. We understand their demands, and are working closely with community leaders to develop policies which reflect them.
Still, not everyone believes promises can lead to change. Veteran activist Alicia Grant, 57, believes pressure must remain constant. She has protested since 1992: she marched then as well. Every time they tell us to wait or be patient they tell us otherwise: justice delayed is justice denied.”
LA is gearing up for another round of protests, and their message from the streets remains clear: these are more than mere reactions; they represent declarations. For those taking to the sidewalks and avenues of their city to demonstrate, risking time, energy, and personal risk are well worth their while.
Jasmine holds her sign high. “This is important,” she declares, holding it out in front of her, holding out her message of protest: “because if we don’t show up now, nothing will ever change.