JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Hundreds of people seeking racial justice in America on Thursday night gathered for a peaceful protest and then marched through the streets of Jacksonville Beach.
The demonstration began at 6 p.m. at the Seawalk Pavilion. Protesters showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and voiced their opposition to police brutality.
“With some many events like Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd right in a row -- just boom, boom, boom -- it couldn’t be avoided,” said protester Katy Devane.
Protesters were also urging people to get out and vote this election cycle as they feel that voting can lead to changes in laws and policies.
“This has been a systemic issue since the founding of this nation. There’s bound to be a moment or crescendo where justice is screamed for. We’ve been kneeling and protesting for decades. Something’s got to give,” said protester Bryce Peterson.
Jacksonville Beach demonstration
Protesters then took to the streets of Jacksonville Beach.
Shortly after, the Republican National Committee announced President Donald Trump will deliver his convention speech in Jacksonville. News4Jax asked some protesters whether they thought that would impact the local movement for change.
“I think it will be interesting because so much is politically based, but this, to me, shouldn’t be politically based. Either you care about people of all races and their lives or you don’t," said protester Megan Kahn. “I feel like it shouldn’t be a political debate.”
Protester Katy Devane said: “I do believe it would create a friction atmosphere because things are so volatile right now. Any event you try to throw in someone’s face, someone else is going to show up and shove it back. It’s going to cause friction no matter where it is.”
Demonstrators also gathered one week ago at the Seawalk Pavilion for what they called a display of unity.