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Protesters gather for peaceful demonstration near SouthPark Mall

Several dozen people assembled, chanting, "I can't breathe" as part of their protest.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several dozen protesters assembled outside SouthPark Mall Monday in south Charlotte for a demonstration against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police blocked entrances to the mall Monday morning in anticipation of the planned protest, which began a little after 12 p.m.

"We know that violence didn't work,” said Nina Dixon with Bless the Streets. “We know that non-violence didn't work. So, now it's time to hit them where it hurts, and that's the economy."

Several dozen people gathered at the corner of Carnegie Boulevard and Barclay Downs Drive, chanting, "I can't breathe."

“We're all human, and humanity is right,” said Jarrisha Fibonacci, with Bless the Streets. “Pressing down on this man's neck with your knee for nine minutes with your hand in your pocket and you're looking God knows where, you can hear him crying for mom. You can hear him saying, 'I can't breathe,' and there's no humanity in that? Where's the justice?"

RELATED: Independent autopsy says George Floyd died from 'asphyxiation from sustained pressure'

It's the latest peaceful protest in the Charlotte area following the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota one week ago. Protesters have taken to the streets of Charlotte the past three days with mostly peaceful marches that have escalated and led to dozens of arrests for various charges. 

Fibonacci said she wanted to be part of the protest Monday not only for George Floyd but to make way for change for future generations.

"It's very disheartening when you push a baby out of your womb as a black mother, and you know it's a son, a male child,” Fibonacci said. "And you know in the back of your mind the day is coming where you have to explain to that child, 'When you walk out the door, here are the rules of engagement.'"

Protesters chanted “no justice, no peace" — a vow to continue pushing forward with the movement in Floyd’s memory.

"We want justice,” said Dixon. “Arrest those four men, and this will stop."

Monday's protest outside SouthPark Mall mirrors the peaceful demonstrations seen elsewhere across the region on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

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