100 demonstrators gather for peace march from downtown to North Long Beach

‘It’s hard to fathom that we have to be out here today, tomorrow, here next week,’ said a Black Lives Matter organizer

Demonstrators took to the streets of Long Beach again Friday, July 3, noting that a federal holiday was no time to interrupt their nationwide movement to end police brutality and racial discrimination.

More than 100 people gathered in the downtown area for a peace walk organized by Long Beach rapper Joey Fatts and his clothing brand, Cutthroat LA. Marchers gathered at the 7-Eleven gas station at Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue and, at about 10:30 a.m., began the 7.4-mile walk up Atlantic Avenue toward North Long Beach.

As with previous demonstrations in Long Beach, the peace walk was met with positive reactions from pedestrians and passing vehicles, with drivers honking their horns in support.

“It’s hard to fathom that we have to be out here today, tomorrow, here next week,” said Dawn Modkins of Black Lives Matter LBC. “We have been in the middle holding the world accountable — for violence against Black people, against the poor, the homeless and trans people.”

With weather in the high 70s, demonstrators shared cold waters and snacks to ensure no one would falter in the heat during the strenuous route, with a few stretches entirely uphill.

The peace walk concluded at North Long Beach’s recently unveiled new Houghton Park Community Center, where members of Long Beach City Resources waited with extra waters and food.

“I’m tired but we can’t let up,” said Tori White, 26, Long Beach. “Black people are still being killed so we can’t let our movement lose steam. Even if people are tired of hearing about it.”