‘Black Lives Matter’ protests and die-ins threaten to gridlock Birmingham at rush hour

—

December 17, 2014

(Video above: ABC 33/40 report on “Black Lives Matter” protests scheduled in Birmingham)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Traffic-blocking demonstrations and “die ins” are coming to Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, according to the buzz on social media. The protests are being designed to mirror many others taking place around the country in the wake of the Michael Brown and Eric Garner deaths and subsequent grand jury decisions.

“A group called ‘Black Lives Matter’ plans to cut off the entrance to The Summit mall and hold a ‘die in’ at The Galleria Mall,” reports ABC 33/40’s Larry Miller. “They want to draw attention to what they say is systemic racism in the country. The demonstrations will impact high traffic areas at the beginning of the evening rush hour.”

One individual Miller interviewed said he thinks the protests will do little more than frustrate commuters who are just trying to go about their business.

“I think there’s an appropriate way to have your voice heard in any situation, but to do so at the inconvenience of others is not the way to do it,” he said.

But another individual said the protesters’ tactics are necessary.

“Unless it hurts somebody, nobody’s going to do anything,” he said.

The demonstration at The Summit will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday. The one at The Galleria is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Birmingham Police say they are “prepared for whatever will happen.”