JACKSON, MISS– Supporters of Black Lives Matter and the Jackson Freedom March gathered Friday to march at Smith Park in the Capital city.
The marchers donned all black, brought signs to display their messages, and marched on the park, the Governor’s mansion, and the municipal courthouse.
Many of the people who were at the demonstration said they were there to support a united movement, but also, to support friends who had experienced issues with police officers and unfair treatment just because of their race.
“I’m here strictly because we want justice. Not just for equality, but for equity,” said Alexis Parker. “That means everyone gets exactly what they deserve. I don’t get more than you, you don’t get more than me. We get the same.”
Parker said an example of that would be what treatment they would witness if a family member is pulled over.
“So she’s white, and I’m African American,” said Parker. “Let’s say our brothers get stopped. There’s a 75 percent chance my brother gets shot and hers doesn’t. We just want everything to be fair.”
Others claimed to be there as a reaction to the Alton Sterling shooting in Baton Rouge.
“I’m here to support, you know, I don’t feel like no one should be treated differently that no one else, especially gunned down for the world to see,” said Patrice Alexander. “I just wanted to stand up for that. But it’s been more than that. People are getting killed on a regular basis and nothing gets done about it.”
Alexander joined others in stating that she’s never had a negative run-in with police officers, but she knows African-American men who have had those experiences.
“I support human life,” said Temitayo Daramola. “I don’t feel like police should be able to discriminate and have that much inequality in how they treat situations.”
Daramola said he has never had a negative altercation with police, because he does not put himself into a position to necessitate police presence.
“I’ve had friends tell me their experiences,” Daramola said. “I don’t go looking for trouble, but trouble wants to find us. I’ve officers pulled behind me, especially one in my neighborhood, and just wait.”
Daramola lead this chant in front of the courthouse:
Others shared that they had grown sick of discrimination, such as this march organizer:
Then the group marched the streets.
