'We want to be heard': Thousands of protesters gather to march on the RNC
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Coalition to March on the RNC filled the streets of Milwaukee on Monday, July 15. Thousands of people gathered to march through downtown to protest the Republican National Convention (RNC).
The march opposed the convention and the GOP. The group focused on issues like immigrant and reproductive rights and stood firm in their support for Palestine, as the conflict with Israel continues.
"To understand, to see that our city is saying no to Republicans, no to this convention, and no to Donald Trump in 2024 is empowering and inspiring, and I'm motivated to continue doing this work," Esther Cabrera with the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee said.
People from all over the nation made the trip to Milwaukee to support the group. Some came from as far as California, Florida and Nevada; there were also people from our neighbors in Minnesota and Illinois.
"We're here today to protect democracy and to say, 'Hey America, no matter what happens, we need to work together'," April Brucker, a protester from Las Vegas, said.
Their route began and ended at Red Arrow Park. It was not the official parade route approved by the city and the U.S. Secret Service but the one the group pushed for. Last week, they came to a verbal agreement with the City of Milwaukee to allow them to walk the route that brought them as close as possible to the convention.
"We want to be heard by the people inside Fiserv Forum. Those are the people making these decisions. These are the people making the agenda for the Republican party for years to come. Those are the people we have to speak at," protest organizer and Outreach Chair for the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said. "Being within sight and sound has always been our demand for that reason."
"I think it's great to see so many people in Milwaukee. Milwaukee deserves to have a safe convention, a safe protest, and a safe summer," 11th District Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis said.
CBS 58 asked Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression Outreach Chair Alan Chavoya what their direct message to former President Donald Trump is, and he said, "The people united will never be defeated."