Pittsburgh Public Schools teachers, administrators march in peaceful protest

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Schools teachers and administrators took part in a march Monday morning to peacefully protest injustices against black people following the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

The march started at 8:46 a.m. to represent the 8 minutes and 46 seconds Floyd was lying on the ground in police custody.

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Teachers and community members joined administrators, including Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet, in the 2-mile march from Pittsburgh Sterrett school to Pittsburgh Colfax school. In all, about 200 people participated.

“Through this walk, local educators hope to change policies, laws, and behavior in which black people are oppressed, beaten or murdered, and hold those accountable for their actions,” a news release said.

A boy was seen leading the march, holding a sign that said, “My life matters.”

Hamlet said after seeing other peaceful protests in Pittsburgh and across the country, Pittsburgh Public Schools wanted to be part of the movement and educate students about racism.

“We have to begin to educate our students around racism. We have some diversity in our schools, and as we have that diversity we have that opportunity to teach around different cultures and tolerate each other and understand these cultures. I think that can be a beginning,” Hamlet said.

RAW: Pittsburgh educators march through Point Breeze RAW: Pittsburgh educators march through Point Breeze

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