Demonstrators march on Mag Mile in Black Friday protest

Saturday, November 25, 2017
Demonstrators march on Mag Mile in Black Friday protest
On Black Friday, as many started shopping for friends and family members, some groups urged people to stop and think about the family of Laquan McDonald.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Black Friday, as many started shopping for friends and family members, some groups urged people to stop and think about the family of Laquan McDonald.

The teenager was shot and killed by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014 as he was walking away from the officer, holding a knife. Activists said they're still waiting for justice. Van Dyke is facing murder charges in the case.

About 100 demonstrators gathered at Water Tower Place for a rally Friday morning before beginning to march down Michigan Avenue. For a third year in a row, they asked shoppers to boycott stores and blocked doors of stores on the Mag Mile to get their message heard.

"When I heard them hollering, I said 'let's hope there's nothing really going on,'" said Constance Steele, a shopper.

Organizers said by causing disruption along the Mag Mile on Black Friday, they send a message to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City Hall to make changes in the city.

"The boogeyman is no longer a monster under our children's bed, the boogeyman carries a badge and a gun," said Community Activist Eric Russell.

Several groups came together to stop what they said is business as usual. Protesters said they are trying to gain support from the public to obtain civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department.

"I support them a hundred percent," said shopper Kelli Robinson. "I would think that our social justice is more important than our retail business."

Demonstrators spent about an hour moving up and down Michigan Avenue before disbanding.