Community members stage Black Lives Matter protest in Marietta
As tensions continue to rise over police brutality, a group of people came together Monday in Marietta to peacefully protest for Black Lives Matter.
Organizer Dennis Smwagbe wants the community to come together and help fight racism.
A majority of the demonstrators were young people and people from a variety of racial backgrounds. They chanted 'defund the police' and said the names of those who have lost their lives at the hands of law-enforcement officers.
"Being predominantly white, if they come and support, if everyone comes and supports it shouts a bigger message that it's not just black or white," Smwagbe said. "It's mostly due to the police brutality that's going on in this country, and that's what we need to focus on."
Smwagbe said its important for people to continue to use their voices to be heard, especially in a community like the Mid-Ohio Valley.
He also plans to conduct a protest at noon every Monday on the Putnam Street bridge and hopes that people in the community understand why the issues is important.
