CLEARWATER, Fla. — Dozens gathered at Coachman Park in Clearwater to peacefully protest the death of George Floyd.
Bless Up, a group of young adults who organize community-based projects, organized Friday's event. The group held a peaceful sitting protest at the park.
Protesters want to put a stop to police brutality and racial discrimination.
Kennan Murray said hate does not motivate, people must learn to protest peacefully.
"Violent protest equals no progress...you cannot match violence with violence. You don't extinguish a fire with more fire," said Kennan Murray.
Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter attended the peaceful protest.
"I think the message that all law enforcement wants to say right now is 'we're very sorry this happened in Minnesota.' It's not a reflection of our profession as a whole. We're upset about it," said Chief Daniel Slaughter.
Malik Simmons also attended Friday's protest.
"The only way to fix this would be through justice, and justice will teach us to clarify what is right and wrong in this country. Once we know what is right and wrong, we can therefore be an ethical country," said Simmons.
The group held signs like "racism is a pandemic" and "police reform now."
"In times like these, we don't hate, we motivate each other and that's what I really want people to understand," said Murray.
