Protesters rally downtown Minneapolis for justice for Jamar Clark

- by Chris Juhn - 1 Comment

EDITOR’S UPDATE: Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Wednesday that he would not be charging Minneapolis Police Officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze in the shooting death of Jamar Clark. Find more details here: http://ow.ly/105S8Z

The Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar held a rally at the Hennepin County Government Center on Saturday, March 26 to demand that Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman charge police officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze for the murder of Jamar Clark. Around 350 protesters showed up, and approximately a dozen speakers spoke on the issues surrounding Clark’s death.

Protesters marched down Hennepin Avenine on the way back to the Hennepin County Government Center
Protesters marched down Hennepin Avenue on the way back to the Hennepin County Government Center.

 

Brettina Pantera Davis shouts chants as the demonstrators marched towards the north loop on S 5th St in Minneapolis
Brettina Pantera Davis shouts chants as the demonstrators marched towards the north loop on South 5th Street in Minneapolis.

 

Speakers included Clark’s family members, other victims of police brutality, community leaders, a group of middle school and elementary students, and members of the faith community. The rally began at noon and lasted until just after 1 pm. It was followed by a march to the North Loop.

James Clark, Jamar Clark's adoptive father, speaks about Jamar.
James Clark, Jamar Clark’s adoptive father, speaks about Jamar.

 

A group of children spoke on some of the issues around race and schools
A group of children spoke on some of the issues around race and schools

 

March organizers’ intention was to bring attention to the issues of police brutality where Governor Mark Dayton’s family owns businesses. One of the protesters said, “We’re going to march where families are spending $100 to $150 on lunch.”

Adrian L. Thompson speaks to the crowd
Adrian L. Thompson speaks to the crowd

Last week Freeman said that a grand jury would not be used in the Jamar Clark case, which was called “a step in the right direction” by members of The Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar. Freeman himself will decide whether or not the officers involved will be charged.

Nekima Levy-Pounds speaks to the crowd
NAACP-Mpls. President Nekima Levy-Pounds speaks to the crowd.

 

Asma Mohammed Nizami listens to speakers near the front of the rally
Asma Mohammed Nizami listens to speakers near the front of the rally.

 

Around 3:20 pm the march came to an end with organizers proclaiming that this isn’t the last of protests and rallies regarding Clark’s death if Freeman doesn’t charge the officers involved in the shooting. That decision is expected later this week.

Chris Juhn welcomes readers’ responses to chrisjuhnphotography@yahoo.com.

One Comment on “Protesters rally downtown Minneapolis for justice for Jamar Clark”

  1. Will Mpls go up in flames ? I hope not but peeps is angry and marginalized by the shortcut to justice. Bring in the USDOJ and get to the bottom of this. President Obama owes it to the Clark family to have his AG make this priority #1.

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