Hundreds of anti–police brutality protesters demonstrated in Long Beach Sunday afternoon as part of an event honoring the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

The event highlighted the killings of Black trans people. There were speakers, performances and music at Bixby Park before protesters marched over a mile west to Harvey Milk Equality Plaza.

Despite a looming pandemic that has seen surging infection rates recently as businesses slowly reopen, protesters risked being exposed to the coronavirus in order to bring attention to another crisis, the killing of Black people by police.

Organizers described the current movement as its own uprising, which is now entering its fifth week locally with several dozen protests having already taken place throughout the city since May 31.

“We have to keep this momentum going,” said local Native American activist Tahesha Knapp Christensen, who spoke during the event. “It’s going to take all of us.”

Protesters gather around a stage at Bixby Park. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Protesters hold signs and march. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
J., left, of Los Angeles, and Jaden, right, of Long Beach stand by behind the stage before performing and speaking. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
A protester holds a sign as the group prepares to march. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
A speaker who goes by Future shares some words with hundreds of protester at Bixby Park. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
A runway performer struts in front of a crowd during the rally. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
A runway performer vogues during an anti-police brutality demonstration. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Runway performers catwalk in front of the crowd. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Protesters march against police brutality in honor of the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Protesters marched to Harvey Milk Equality Plaza. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Several hundred people participated in the protest. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Hundreds of people watched more speakers and performers at Harvey Milk Equality Plaza. Photo by Crystal Niebla.
Protesters chant at Harvey Milk Equality Plaza. Photo by Crystal Niebla.

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.