MLK Day March for Justice raises awareness of police brutality

BOSTON — A group working to raise awareness about police brutality in the country led an MLK Day March for Justice. A couple hundred people gathered in Boston’s Grove Hall neighborhood at 1 p.m. on Monday to voice their frustration with racism. Brock Satter, who is with Mass Action Against Police Brutality, organized the event.

“Unfortunately we have to continue to march because many of those questions still remain unresolved,” Satter said.

The group has recently denounced off-duty police officers who rioted in Washington, D.C., and have for years demanded prosecution of police caught on body cameras violating people’s rights. Satter said the movement since George Floyd’s murder is putting the right pressure on the right people to make change.

“In order to do that people need to stand on justice, on principle, and that means a bit of self-sacrifice from everyone. And I think, if anything, that is a symbol of MLK. I mean, he gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Satter said.

After several speeches from people who have lost someone to police brutality, the group began to march through parts of Roxbury and Dorchester. Some people seemed hopeful of what is to come when the new president takes office.

“I see hope that we have a new administration. We have people energized from the movement, from young people, elderly folks, people who have not been energized before,” said Mobile Burrell.

The march organizers believe the movement this past year has given many people hope, especially after seeing the historic numbers of people coming out and getting involved. In fact, Governor Charlie Baker just signed a police reform bill that stemmed from recent protests after George Floyd’s murder.

Even with a new president taking office, many of the people here said it is more important than ever to keep delivering their message.

Cox Media Group