MILWAUKEE — Despite the scorching heat, hundreds of people walked across Milwaukee to protest George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
It is was the fifth day in a row of protests in Milwaukee, denouncing racism and police brutality. Peaceful protesters' chants and car horns rang out Tuesday afternoon. Hundreds of people started at Humboldt Park in Bay View and made their way to Milwaukee Police District 1.
Teenagers at the protest say African Americans should not have to fear the police.
"You shouldn’t feel scared around them. You should feel protected if you’re around them," said 17-year-old Breon Dixon.
This was 18-year-old Peyton Smith's first protest. He hoped the march will leave an impact on those looking on.
"I want them to feel compassion for America. I want them to feel that America needs to make a change and even if they are not a minority they still feel that," said Peyton.
Businesses and neighbors from Bay View to downtown handed out water bottles to keep protesters hydrated during the roughly 7-mile walk. Some local restaurants closed for the day to support the cause.
Police close by blocked off traffic.
"I share the anger of the people who are here as to what has happened in Minneapolis and around this nation. This is the way you achieve I think attention to this issue," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett who was seen walking near the protest.
Even though they did not take part, people watching the march say it impacted them.
"I think it’s empowering and encouraging the future isn’t so bleak as we all thought it might be," said Anna Lamnari who watched from her home.
"I’m loving it as an African American male it really touches to the core. It really does because we can’t do it by ourselves. We just can’t. It’s impossible," said Frederick Marvin Hannah Jr. who was out running when he saw the march.
