14 protesters were arrested Friday during a demonstration organized by the May 30th Alliance outside the Rockford City Market. Upwards of 50 protesters gathered across the street from the market at the Joe Marino Park and called for solidarity.
Protesters could be heard throughout the city market chanting, "It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains. We have nothing to lose but our chains."
Protesters took to the intersection of State and Water streets, but remained on the crosswalks, effectively stopping traffic. A group of onlookers from the market cheered as protesters were rounded up and in some cases carried away by police officers.
The charges brought against the protesters included disordely conduct, resisting arrest, mob action and aggravated battery.
- Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco is a 2020 corps member for Report for America, an initiative of the GroundTruth Project which is a national service program that places talented journalists in local newsrooms.
