Tree Lighting Protest Against Police Violence

Among the festivities of Sunday’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, more than 100 protesters took the opportunity to let their voices be heard in protest of the recent police killings of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and hundreds of citizens over the past several years.

In freezing temperatures, protesters organized directly at the base of the main tree.  As the lighting commenced, amidst a barrage of fireworks, protesters lit up their own massive sign spelling, “I Can’t Breath” (the rallying cry following Garner’s murder) written in Christmas lights. They then began to sing the requiem for Mike Brown and Eric Garner, which has been used in protests and rallies around the country.

The protest was met with both support and jeers, as some spectators disagreed with the timing of the protest.  Capital Area Against Mass Incarceration believes exploiting high profile public events, such as the tree lighting ceremony, is a vital part of raising awareness and raising the consciousness of citizens.