High school students, teachers gather for Black Lives Matter rally in downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Students from Cypress Creek High School took to Orlando’s streets and SunRail Friday afternoon to share their message of Black Lives Matter.

Organizers first gathered at Meadow Woods SunRail station at 120 Fairway Woods Boulevard before making their way to City Hall.

About 20 students and teachers took part in the rally. Organizers said they wanted to keep the demonstration small since they didn’t feel comfortable having a large group gather together.

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Shania Shahab, a senior, was one of them. She said she wanted to do something when George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer back in May.

“I wanted to take a chance and make something that could uplift people and have a platform,” she said.

Teachers such as Rucsandra Bitere, who teaches English at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, were out, too.

“Groups of students have been talking to me about organizing something for Black Lives Matter as a show of solidarity and respect,” she said. “I think it’s really important as a teacher because this isn’t just a police brutality situation, it’s not just a police institution situation, it’s institutions everywhere.”

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The group said they intended to keep the demonstration peaceful, and there were no incidents along the way.

A workshop was also held to design participants’ posters with provided materials.

Officials said the goal of the demonstration will be to provide high school students a safe environment to have their voices heard.

Read: Orlando police chief says department has banned no-knock warrants, choke holds

All attendees will be required to have personal protective equipment in adherence to safety guidelines.

The demonstration will also feature guest speakers and is expected to last until 3:50 p.m.

Video: Orlando Black Lives Matter rally to be held to amplify voices of city?s youth Officials said the goal of the demonstration will be to provide high school students a safe environment to have their voices heard.

Cox Media Group