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Protesters line streets in Oakland fighting for police reform

PITTSBURGH — Fifth Avenue in Oakland was lined with Black Lives Matter advocates Wednesday as they made another push to fight for police reform.

Chalk hearts were drawn along the sidewalk marking six feet, so each person could safely demonstrate. The demand for change was the message from the Oakland Area Faith Community.

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Demonstrators were pleased to hear about Gov. Tom Wolf signing new police reform bills on Wednesday, after weeks of protests throughout our state.

One of the bills is designed to prevent bad police officers from finding employment in other departments.

Another bill requires officers to receive training every other year in how to interact with people of different races, while one more requires a mental health evaluation.

“I think that’s a good start. It’s a testimony that this type of grassroot works. It works on the street but also with different legislation being passed, it’s a start but it’s not the finish,” said Emiola Oriola, who attended the protest.