New Bedford protesters gather for fifth straight day of demonstrations

Protesters Wednesday marched from New Bedford to Dartmouth.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – Black Lives Matter protests in New Bedford continued Wednesday as they have been all week in the city.

“We’re showing that black lives really do matter and we will not stop until they are equal,” said Black Lives Matter leader Marcus Brito-Barros.

Protesters Wednesday marched from New Bedford to Dartmouth.

“This just needs to stop happening,” said protester Shienne Costa. “We shouldn’t have to be out here saying ‘Black is human.’ We all know that.”

This latest protest happened on the same day that the three Minneapolis police officers who witnessed their fellow officer kneel on George Floyd’s neck, killing him, were charged.

Protesters tell ABC 6 it shows what they’re doing is working.

“It definitely feels like we’re taking steps because that is exactly what we’re asking for,” said Brito-Barros. “We want jail time for these murderers. They are murderers!”

“We can make a change,” said protester Marissa Barros There’s power in numbers!”

The last few days of protests in New Bedford have remained relatively peaceful, happening alongside violent unrest in other cities such as Providence and Brockton.

(marcus brito-barros, black lives matter)
“Our main weapon is love. Our main weapon is our voice,” said Brito-Barros. “We want everyone to be safe. I want no one to feel fear at all.”

Black Lives Matter leaders say they are planning to demonstrate for the rest of the week and likely longer.