PARKVILLE, Mo. — Protesters north of the Missouri River had their say on Sunday as a few hundred gathered at the 'Parkville March for Unity' calling for change.
The peaceful protest brought people of all races together in front of the Parkville City Hall, while listening to several speakers then marching downtown to the city's farmers market.
For many residents, like Raycinia Ellison, it's a protest that hits home.
"Being out here means I get a chance to let my voice be heard in a place where you don’t see many people who look like me," Ellison said. "It is heartwarming to see all these people coming together saying that my life matters, my children's lives matter."
She brought her two young sons to the protest to show them why they should be involved.
"Right now, they are young black men in training, and I want them to know that their lives matter," Ellison said.
Ellison's 11-year-old son, Aiden, said he doesn't think it's fair that "black people are being killed for no reason."
"I’m out here to protest police brutality and the innocent killing of black people," Aiden said.
The Ellisons were joined by hundreds of other peaceful protesters who want accountability for law enforcement and hope to be understood.
"We’re trying to influence change, right?" Parkville resident Uche Ikeme said, "and it’s more than that. As you can see, more than just African Americans or black people are out here. This is something that has impacted the world."
The Parkville Police Department and Platte County Sheriff's Office also had a presence at the event, wanting to show they are listening.
"We wanted to support that. We have an outstanding community and we want to be a part of that with them," Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen said. "Even in today’s turmoil, I mean a lot of the changes that they’re asking for, we’ve done years ago."
Protesters believe this is a step in the right direction to spur change.
"Marching is just the beginning," Ellison said. "Lifting your voice is just the beginning. Voting. Being there for policy on the local and state level matters more," Ellison said.
The protest lasted from 2-4 p.m.
