This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Zimmerman protests enter 5th night in Los Angeles as people say they seek justice for Trayvon Martin (Update)
Zimmerman verdict protesters in L.A. hit the streets of Beverly Hills on the 5th night of protests.
(
Rina Palta/ KPCC
)
The protest passes beneath diners on Rodeo Drive.
(
Rina Palta/ KPCC
)
News and police helicopters hover overhead as protesters rally in Beverly Hills.
(
Rina Palta/ KPCC
)
A crowd gets organized before the march down Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills during the fifth day of protests sparked by the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin.
(
Rina Palta/KPCC
)
UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: Protesters return to La Cienega Park
The peaceful protest that started at La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills and made its way down Wilshire Boulevard has now returned to the park. Beverly Hills police there have been no problems. About 100 people participated in the march.
Some protesters are still gathered at the park, reading poems and making speeches.
PREVIOUSLY: People in Los Angeles continue to protest the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. On Wednesday, protesters took their message of justice for slain Florida teenager Trayvon Martin to La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills.
From there, the protests marched down Wilshire Boulevard and through Beverly Hills' swanky Rodeo Drive.
Organizers had planned for a peaceful rally – dubbing it "Justice for Trayvon Martin, Los Angeles." They say it was intended to call "on [the] local and national government to End the practice of racial profiling that leads to the killing and imprisonment of Black Bodies."
RELATED: Teens use beats and rhymes to process, organize in aftermath of Zimmerman acquittal
Sponsored message
Jasmyne Cannick, who says she was at the protest as an observer, liked the idea of moving it out of the historically back neighborhoods of South Los Angeles to a more diverse area.
“If you are going to do a protest, especially on an issue like this, I think it’s smart to take it to a neighborhood and an area where the minds of those people need to be changed,” Cannick said. “Out here in Beverly Hills, where you’re dealing with so many different ethnicities and races, some of whom probably don’t ever think about the lives of black men, I think it’s a great spot to do an event like this.”
The event marks the fifth night that protests have been seen in Los Angeles over the verdict in the controversial case. Some vandalism and assaults were reported during protests Monday night near Leimert Park by what police say was a "splinter group" of about 150 people.
Follow KPCC's Rina Palta for live tweets from the rally:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
