Protesters march for justice in White Plains

• An orderly crowd marched through White Plains to protest police violence against black men
• White Plains march part of Justice for all protests across the country
• Local organizers said police violence aimed at black men is also an issue in the Lower Hudson Valley

WHITE PLAINS – More than 100 people of varied ages and races took to the streets of downtown White Plains as part of nationwide protests Saturday against police violence against black men.

The enthusiastic but orderly crowd circled the city, starting in front of Walmart on Main Street, around The Westchester mall, Maple Avenue and staging a "die-in" at the intersection of Mamaroneck and Martine avenues.

Throughout the hourlong walk, the protesters chanted "No justice, no peace," and "I can't breathe," the dying words of Eric Garner, the Staten Island man who died in police custody in July. They repeated his name as well as that of Michael Brown, the Missouri teen who died at the hands of police in August.

"Black lives matter," said Jalal Sabur, who helped organize the march with WesPAC, an advocacy group. "We want police who commit these acts held accountable."

The "Justice for All" marches organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton took place nationwide. In Washington, D.C., the families of Garner and Brown led the protests.

Local organizers emphasized that police violence aimed at black men is also an issue in the Lower Hudson Valley.

"It happens here, too," said Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., of White Plains, whose father, a former Marine, was shot to death in his apartment by city police who responded after his medical alert signal went off. "Individuals charged with enforcing the law commit egregious acts with impunity."

The officers were not charged in the death of his father. The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

Protesters carried a mock casket with the names of men who have died at the hands of police, including the elder Chamberlain and Danroy Henry, a 20-year-old Pace University student shot and killed by police in Thornwood in 2010.

White Plains police accompanied the protesters at a respectful distance. Downtown streets were closed briefly as the group walked by.

The march did not appear to disrupt holiday shopping. Many drivers honked horns in support and some pedestrians briefly joined in.

"I'm thankful that people are speaking up," said White Plains resident Denise M. Bennett, who paused on a sidewalk to cheer on the crowd. "It's time."

Twitter: @JaneLernerNY