VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Tuesday, protests continued in Hampton Roads after the death of George Floyd.
“This is about getting people's attention,” Virginia Beach resident George Battle said.
People of all ages and different backgrounds ascended Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach for a peaceful protest.
“We consider this an opportunity for people to come together and pray, and an opportunity to to try to heal a little bit, to talk with each other,” Dr. James Allen, President of the Virginia Beach Interdenominational Ministers Conference told News 3. “It's evident that our nation is hurting right now.”
Tuesday marked the third straight night of protests in the city following Floyd’s death.
“This young man just sadly demonstrates to us systemic institutional racism that needs to be dealt with,” Battle said.
“I have more friends of color than friends that look like me,” Virginia Beach resident Jessica Shepard said. “Just knowing that they have to live in fear is heartbreaking for me.”
Police, community leaders and others joined together to pray and hold a moment of silence for Floyd.
Related: George Floyd's brother calls for peaceful protests
“We cannot continue to stand by and not act,” Congresswoman Elaine Luria said.
Protesters said they'll continue to stand up.
“We're here trying to unify, pray together, believe together, that change will come,” Battle said.
