'We're making something great happen': Milwaukee Bucks hold public protest march

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks took a public stand Sunday as they led thousands of people through the city in support of social justice.

"It's great to see everybody out here standing as one, standing for equality standing for George Floyd and his family and everybody who's been a victim to police brutality," said Bucks guard Sterling Brown.

Before the protesters left the Bucks arena, Brown led them in a moment of silence for nine seconds to honor George Floyd.

"Every second is a minute that they were standing on him and kneeling on him and had their knee on his neck," Brown said.

Backed by his coaches, ownership, management and staff, Brown called for unity and change.

"We're here together and we here as one. We're making something great happen. We're making something positive happen, something that's heard around the world. You've got different countries coming together and fighting and standing for something," Brown said.

Team officials said an estimated 7,500 people joined the protest group, which took off from the plaza at Fiserv Forum and ended at Veterans Park.

"I wanted to support the death of George Floyd and to show that black lives matter and that we need respect too as other people," said Emanuel Pierce from Milwaukee.

Emanuel is one of four generations in his family that came to the protest to witness history.

"I think it makes a big difference in the young people of today that the Bucks are supporting George and for the cause for black people," said his grandmother, Veronica Britt.

"I see young people, old people, every race coming together like I've never before so that gives me a lot of hope," said Cindy Hunter from Waukesha.

When the protesters reached Veterans Park, the conversation turned to activism not on the court but in the ballot box, as activists encouraged the crowd to vote on Nov. 4.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was at the arena before the protest group started its march. Police Chief Alfonso Morales made an appearance at Veterans Park.

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