A crowd of about 250 people chanted “Hands up don’t shoot” and held signs at Heartwell Park calling for justice amid protests sweeping the country over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

“It’s super important for me to show my children that we have to stand up and we have to be allies,” said Mira Smeltzer, who was joined by her two boys Mason and Evan. “It’s important to actively do something and not just talk about it.”

The group marched down Bellflower Boulevard before gathering at East Long Beach park, where they held a moment of silence for Floyd and others who’ve died at the hands of police.

A demonstration on Sunday drew an estimated 3,000 people, which was later in the night was overtaken by vandals and looters.

Police presence during Wednesday’s protest was minimal, with only a couple cruisers patrolling surrounding streets.

Michael Burdette is interviewed amongst a group of protesters at Heartwell Park on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Photo by Sebastian Echeverry.

Michael Burdette, who participated in Wednesday’s event, said he supports the message of the demonstrations, but said it’s also time for action.

“Now is the time to make a black friend, and understand somebody from another culture,” he said. “That’s what it’s time to do.”

 

Kaylee Wilkins joins a group of protesters at Heartwell Park as they denounce police brutality on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Photo by Sebastian Echeverry.