Hundreds of protesters gathered in Downtown Dayton on Sunday afternoon in response to violence last week in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Texas.
The event, which was part of the Black Lives Matters movement, began with a prayer for peace under the pavilion at Riverscape Metropark.
Protesters then flooded the streets of the city to march to Courthouse Square. Some held hands as they chanted "Hands up, don't Shoot!" and "No justice, no peace."
Brian Freeman says he came to voice to his concerns.
“Black males dying due to gun violence especially at the hands of police is the great social injustice of our time," said Freeman. "It’s important that we speak out against it in a civilized manner and an organized effort.”
The event was organized by Bowling Green State University Student Keila Hall, who says she worked with the police to ensure the event was peaceful.
“Today I got the call that they were going to help us clear the roadways. I was going to do this all on the sidewalks to keep it legal, but they came and supported us and that’s all I ever wanted," said Hall. "I wanted our police department to join with us. That’s my biggest goal here.”
Dayton Police officials say no arrests were made during the rally.