In Philly area, disjointed but peaceful marches against violence

Echoing similar Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Atlanta, Washington, and New York, activists in Philadelphia marched Friday night to protest police violence despite Thursday night's deadly sniper attack at a similar protest in Dallas.

The first of several demonstrations in the Philadelphia area started small, with a couple dozen people heading south on Broad Street from Erie Avenue toward Center City.

They expressed outrage over the deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., and Philando Castile near St. Paul., Minn. As they passed, motorists honked their horns and pumped their fist in support.

Organizers said they were determined to continue to press their issue despite the sniper attack in Dallas that killed five police officers and wounded seven officers and two civilians.

"Yes, this is a tragedy [in Dallas], just like when black and brown people are murdered. We are going to pray for the officers and demand justice, but we are going to stay the course," said Asa Khalif, 34.

The biggest group was escorted by city police, including about 20 officers slowly pedaling on bicycles to maintain traffic safety and prevent any physical confrontations.

Bystanders who were watching or recording video on their phones were urged by organizer Donterell McDuffie to join the march.

"When something goes wrong for the police, they call for backup. We need backup, too," McDuffie said.

The group grew larger as it went, to 75 at Spring Garden, and about 200 when they reached City Hall, blocking the intersection of 15th and Market Streets before heading east to Philadelphia Police Headquarters.

"We're gonna shut down these streets!" declared Daryl Walker.

While organizers were passionate and attempted to keep the crowd fired up, many in the middle of the crowd struggled to find the right words for why they were out marching on a hot, humid summer night.

Amid so much violence - locally and nationally, from police toward civilians, civilians toward police, and civilians toward each other - many said they just felt they wanted to do something.

"If we don't get out and protest, it won't stop," said Noah Abram, 23, who came out at the urging of a friend.

"You can't say it's a shame if you're sitting in your house," said Denise Sommerville, 51, her voice raw with emotion.

Outside the Roundhouse, officers lined their bikes across the sidewalk, and though McDuffie and Walker both demanded a meeting with Police Commissioner Richard Ross, it was clear that wasn't going to happen.

Earlier Friday, in Camden's Farnham Park, about 50 people gathered to pray and shout: "Change" and "Enough is enough."

Representing about a dozen community advocacy groups and organizations in Camden, the 50 gathered to show solidarity with the local and national Black Lives Matter movements.

"Camden does not agree with what's going on in the nation, but we do agree on keeping love, peace, and respect present," said Arnold Steward, 59, of Operation Camden for Christ. He manned a microphone on the green and invited others to speak at the "Enough is Enough" rally.

"Let your anger be a motivator for positive change," Steward said.

The group sat outside for close to two hours in Friday's 93-degree heat. Songs like Bob Marley's "One Love" and "We are the World" blared through the speakers.

Rooted in faith as well, the rally included pastors who spoke about the importance of coming together with the same message. The Rev. Tim Merrill called for getting all churches involved, including Catholic bishops around the nation, to condemn the violent acts and continue the conversation.

Niger Ali, 39, represented a few community groups at the rally, including the Camden Chess league. He emphasized having a voice in these situations.

"We're always fighting a good fight, but at the same time, we have those who think if it doesn't affect them directly, they'll stay indoors," he said. "Planning is what we need to do."

bmoran@phillynews.com

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@RobertMoran215

Staff writer Casey Gilman contributed to this article.