Charleston, South Carolina couldn’t have asked for better weather, as we experienced a sunny, warm afternoon on Saturday, hundreds gathered in solidarity with New York City’s #MillionsMarchNYC and #BlackLivesMatter, in Downtown Charleston to show the world that All Lives definitely matter. Black Lives Matter Charleston and Pastor Dixon, along with a host of other organizations and groups from the area were able to bring together people of all ages and colors to communicate to the world that All Lives Matter.

The group took to the streets starting at Mall Park, at the corner of America and Columbia Street in Charleston, while the crowd marched and chanted, “Do you know what Democracy Looks Like, This is What Democracy Looks like”, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot”, and “No Justice No Peace, No racist police”. The crowd’s goal was to make a statement and be heard.

The protesters then assembled in Marion Square, where there was already a concert going being held, but that didn’t stop the inadvertent #BlackLivesMatter ceremony. The crowd gathered here and discussed more of their concerns, the talk was then followed by singing and poetry, right there the center of the park.

Amidst the Marion Square Christmas Tree, behind the controversial John C Calhoun statue, with St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church as the backdrop, hundreds gathered on one accord to show the love and concern for many who have lost their lives due to violence throughout this country. Of course there were some folks in the park and along the street who didn’t agree with the cause, but those types of distractions were minimal. As the crowd made their way out of Marion Square down King Street, many people stopped on the street to record the marchers, many paused and raised their hands to signify their support of the “Hands Up, Don’t’ Shoot” movement.

We finally made our way down Broad Street adjacent to the Four Corners of Law where we had one last opportunity to voice our concerns, show appreciation for the support, and network. As a participant, I must say that this was certainly a perfect day; it was beautiful see people of all ages and colors gather together for a cause that many refuse to understand.

We have a long way to go when it comes to violence throughout the community and violence and trust with our police forces around the country. Witnessing what we accomplished on yesterday was both inspirational and bothersome. It was inspirational to see the diversity and realize that people from different backgrounds really do understand; but bothersome to see that on the brink of 2015, and with a black president in office, we are still dealing with racial inequality and injustice.

There are those that feel that marching and protests won’t make a difference, but one would beg to differ. Marching is an act that enforces people to recognize that is an issue and a concern that needs to be addressed. Marching and protesting are acts that are the predecessors to action. The plan is to make sure these events and discussions continue, so that all people can become the driving force that makes our communities better.

Nina Grey