MB Parents, Children Show Up For Racism Protest Designed For Kids

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — As a TV news helicopter hovered overhead, the "'Pop the Bubble' on Racism: A Peaceful Protest for Kids" began Saturday morning around 9 a.m. at the base of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Adults and children gathered, many holding homemade signs in support of the rally.

Anyone who hadn't quite yet made it down Manhattan Beach Boulevard to the group's gathering place found themselves quickly joining the group as it moved in waves headed south on The Strand toward Hermosa Beach.

Organizers hadn't planned to march so soon but when the chopper's noise drowned out the speakers, they wisely shifted gears.

Marchers carried signs reading, "Black Lives Matter," "I Have a Dream" (Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous quote from 1963), "Everyone Should Be Treated Equally," "I Want My BFF Safe, BLM," "Take Action," "Enough," "We Stand With You," "Silence Supports Violence #BLM," "Black Trans Lives Matter," and "Stand Against Racism."

When they returned from circling back at the Hermosa Beach border, four kids used a bullhorn to deliver their speeches. Not all in the crowd could hear, but those close enough listened to heartfelt speeches.

"I think it's important for us to make our voices heard, that we stand against what's happening," said MB resident Tiffanie Bierer who attended the event with daughter Kailyn. "And I think enough is enough. A change needs to happen."

Said MB resident Lindsey Fox, "My 8-year-old son and I attended protests in Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach and the 'Pop the Bubble' march. The feeling in the air at this event was different. We left the event feeling moved, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful change. We felt hopeful, seeing such a large crowd, that this time, something impactful will happen."

Event organizers Nicole Alexander, Melanie Barrows, Lisa Bennett and Melissa A. Robinson-Chavez were appreciative of the support they received from MB's small businesses and police department, said Robinson-Chavez.