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Black Lives Matter Rally In Broward Demands Criminal Justice Reform

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- In the wake of the recent shootings deaths of black men at the hands of police, Broward's Black Lives Matter group is gathering in Ft. Lauderdale demanding answers and justice.

The demonstration is being held on Saturday, July 9th, at Stranahan Park at 10 E. Broward Blvd with a march onto the Broward County Jail.

"We have a culture of predatory policing that cannot be ignored. Cops kill black people here, stay on administrative leave and don't see a grand jury for years. Families get no answers, no solace, no justice. We will not be silent any longer. We are thrusting Broward and all of its injustices into the national spotlight, where politicians and officials cannot hide from the truth," said Jasmen Rogers, 27-year-old member of BLM Alliance Broward.

"Pro-black lives does not mean anti anything else," said Kitty Gil. "Any death is a tragedy. And any unjustified death is a tragedy. That's what we want to stop. I don't care if it's police or it's black men. If it's unjustified, it should stop. It needs to stop."

Similar rallies have been held across the country calling for criminal justice reform, following the deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Lousiana and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Both were shot during confrontations with police officers.

"This is not temporary," said 23-year-old Miramar resident Tifanny Burks. "We are tired of validating our humanity to the police state. So we say, 'No more!' And we will continue to educate, mobilize and resist until we see change in this country."

The rally has been planned as the first of a month-long call for criminal justice reform in Broward County.

In addition, the Black Lives Matter Alliance will also host community debates, candidate forums and a movie night aimed at educating and supporting the community.

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