As violence continues throughout the country, protestors here in Chattanooga decided to take a more peaceful approach.
Concerned Citizens For Justice hosted a rally at Miller Park Tuesday to have their voices heard.
Members of CCJ tell NewsChannel9 no matter how they felt, they would never result to violence. But more than a dozen Chattanooga police officers were on hand just in case things got out of control.
"We wanted to make sure that our community had a way to mourn and grieve together in a constructive and peaceful way," said protestor Janelle Jackson.
First they were signing and then, they were marching.
"Ferguson can be here too, that Ferguson is everywhere," said Jackson.
Protestors lined the sidewalks and marched down two blocks to Chattanooga City Hall where they stopped outside the council chambers. Before going in, protestors read out loud the names of loved ones, who lost their lives.
Then, it was time to go inside. Each protestor took a seat while some even stood outside. Others spoke directly to the council.
"Sometimes we put our policeman in a terrible condition because they are having to come in and control an environment they did not create," said Nation of Islam local leader Kevin Muhammad.
After a number of people spoke, Councilwoman Carol Berz and Larry Grohn addressed the audience.
"I've always been a marcher for equity. It means a lot to me that you all came here," said councilwoman Berz.
"Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Don't laugh when I tell you that I grew up being the only white kid in some playgrounds and I know what it's like," said councilman Grohn.
A peaceful protest that Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher says he is proud to see in his city.
"It's a reason why it's the first amendment in the bill of rights, the ability to gather and speak your mind is a fundamental part of who we are as a people and our job as public safety is to make sure people feel safe and protected to do exactly that and tonight, it was a good example of that," said Chief Fletcher.
By Alyssa Spirato
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