EAST PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Two years after he was shot and killed by a now-former East Pittsburgh police officer, Antwon Rose was remembered Friday with a march and balloon release.
Police blocked Route 30 so people could gather by a billboard in Rose’s memory.
Members of the community gathered Friday morning at the Connect Center on Linden Avenue. From there, they marched to Grandview Avenue, where Rose was shot.
Group of demonstrators walking over to Antwon Rose billboard on Route 30. State police are blocking the road to traffic @WPXI pic.twitter.com/wGGeYroeyi
— Gabriella DeLuca (@GabriellaDeLuca) June 19, 2020
There were performers and speakers, including Rose’s mother, Michelle Kenney.
“This is not a game for me. I’m not playing. Any meeting I had was a business meeting, and I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to move this movement forward,” Kenney said.
So many people came out that they needed a projector to hear and see the speakers.
County and state leaders were among those who showed up. State Rep. Ed Gainey told the crowd he’s fighting for reform.
You can now customize your WPXI News App to receive breaking news alerts. CLICK HERE to find out how.
HAPPENING NOW:
— Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) June 19, 2020
Crowd marching up Linden Avenue in East Pittsburgh to the location where Antwon Rose II was killed by a police officer. Today is the anniversary of his death @wpxi pic.twitter.com/HPT9RFEOgO
A balloon release in memory of Rose took place along Grandview Avenue.
NOW: crowd is listening to performances on Grandview Ave. There will be a balloon release shortly @wpxi pic.twitter.com/osjaUKYFMj
— Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) June 19, 2020
Rose was 17 years old when he was shot June 19, 2018, while running from a traffic stop in East Pittsburgh. The officer who shot him was found not guilty of criminal homicide in March.
Rose was getting ready to start his senior year at Woodland Hills High School when he died.
Following the balloon release, Kenney honored her son’s life by helping others.
The Feed the Hood initiative walked door to door delivering food. A number of organizations helped make the event happen, including the Wellness Collective.
There was also an ice cream truck and music for families to enjoy. In addition to hot meals, families were also given produce.
TRENDING NOW:
© 2020 Cox Media Group