KALAMAZOO, Mich. — It was a very passionate but peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in the city of Kalamazoo on Saturday afternoon. The protest was put together to honor the life of George Floyd, who was tragically killed in Minneapolis on May 25 after a police officer placed his knee on his throat.
"I'm hoping we got our point across," said organizer, Monique Crowley, "I want people to know that we are not pleased with what's happening throughout the world. It's not just Minnesota, yes, that was the most recent incident but we all know we hear about it almost on a daily basis."
Demonstrators gathered in Kalamazoo to demand change for people of color.
"The main thing we want is to start having people hold each other accountable," Crowley added, "we want the police force to hold their coworkers accountable for their actions and people in society to hold others accountable."
The protest began with passionate speeches and even some singing before the crowd took to the streets. for a march.
"To see the cars driving by and honking, people sitting on the steps with their signs, the energy is great, we're loving it," smiled Crowley, "this is why we did it."
The hundreds of protesters walked nearly five miles through the city, coming face-to-face with local law enforcement, even stopping to say a prayer at Kalamazoo's public safety building.
"At the end of the day, we just want to be heard," said protester, Brock Adams, "it's a peaceful protest. If we stay silent, what's going to happen? It'll be forgotten in a week, or in a month."
Things remained peaceful but the group is hoping to use this energy to create change moving forward.
"It was lit," laughed Crowley, "we're still turnt up over here, it's a high that drugs can't give you, it was great and I'm definitely going to have passion going forward, that's why I organized it."
The group's message is simple, look out for one another and ensure people are treating others how they would like to be treated.
"When you see things going on that you know aren't right, step in and do something," said Crowley, "you can make a change and together, we can make a difference."
