Protesters rally in Cranberry Township in support of Black Lives Matter

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Dozens of people protested in Cranberry Township Friday in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The protest happened along busy Route 228 near the Target. Organizers pointed to the historical significance as to why they chose to march in the Target parking lot.

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For more than 150 years, June 19 has been a day to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.

They told Channel 11 they support the Black Lives Matter movement, but it’s also bigger than that. It’s about standing up for the voices of all of those who have been oppressed for too long.

Protesters lined the sidewalks and marched through one of the busiest shopping centers in the area.

Peaceful protesters said before they began marching they had productive conversations with police about protocol and reform.

“My hope is that we soon get beyond this and start opening some meaningful dialogue that’s going to get us over the hump and get us back to where we need to be,” said Cranberry Township Police Chief Kevin Meyer.

Meyer said his department is always looking to listen, learn and evolve.

Large group of protesters march down Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg to honor Juneteenth Large group of protesters march down Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg to honor Juneteenth

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