Sunday, November 22, 2009 East Central Illinois

March set for today in Champaign

By Steve Bauer
Thursday, October 22, 2009 7:30 AM CDT

CHAMPAIGN – Young people from Champaign-Urbana will march and speak out today against police brutality and harassment.

Aaron Ammons, co-founder of C-U Citizens for Peace and Justice, said the group will march with students beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday starting at the Illinois Terminal, 45 E. University Ave., C, and ending at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, 201 E. Park Ave., C.

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"The mandate comes from the young people," he said. "We just want to give them an opportunity to speak freely about their feelings."

At the Boys and Girls Club, young people will be able to say whatever they want in the wake of a fatal shooting Oct. 9 involving Champaign police. Kiwane Carrington, 15, was fatally shot and another teen was arrested and subsequently charged with aggravated resisting arrest.

Ammons said the rally is in conjunction with a national day of protest against police brutality and harassment. The theme of that event is "No more stolen lives," he said.

A large crowd attended the Champaign City Council meeting Tuesday, with comments including calls for the resignation or firing of Champaign Police Chief R.T. Finney and firing of Officer Daniel Norbits, along with review of police policies on deadly use of force and use of Tasers.

A candelight vigil and funeral for Mr. Carrington also drew large crowds.

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