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Protesters Gather During Mummers Parade In Center City

By Rahel Solomon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Demonstrators gathered during the annual Mummers Parade in Center City Pihladlephia.

Organizers for Black Lives Matter tell CBS3 about 150 protesters showed up Friday.

And while the protest was peaceful, it ended with two people in handcuffs.

"This is where everybody is, this is where awareness is," said David Laverdure.

As Philadelphia descended upon Center City for the annual Mummers Parade so too did protesters.

"I've gotten smiles and I've gotten someone yelling no you go away," said Kitty Jauregey.

"They're just more interested in attacking than listening so there's not a lot of comprehension in general and yeah today's a party celebration so people want to forget - the problem is they forget every other day too."

Philadelphia Police say two people had to be arrested during the parade near Broad and Spruce, one for disorderly conduct, the other for disrupting the parade. Protesters CBS 3 spoke to say they showed up Friday to bring awareness to a host of issues, some working to draw attention to the death of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy from Cleveland killed when police reportedly mistook a pellet gun for a real gun.

"It's just unconscionable, it absolutely demands justice," said Laverdure.

Others advocating raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

"If black lives matter which is part of all lives mattering, people need a living wage, they need to be able to have hope in their lives," said Susan Chast.

A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department tells CBS3 while they won't give out specific numbers, there was an increased presence due to events around the world and knowing protesters would be out.

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