x
Breaking News
More () »

Local faith leaders call for violence to end

it was calm and peaceful during the day with community faith leaders and black lives matter Louisville still calling for more justice.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Peace was the plan and message for Sunday’s demonstrations.

Local faith leaders said they didn’t want to see violence.

“We do not want hostile damage and we do not want injury and death in any protest,” Rev. Dr. Frank Smith, Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition, said.

Rev. Smith is still quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saying a riot is the language of the unheard.

He pointed to the years-long economic inequality in west Louisville, saying it can’t go on any longer.

“What happened these last few days is us reaping the consequence of people who have ignored the persistent cries of the black community for economic empowerment," Rev. Smith said.

Black Lives Matter Louisville organized for a healing ceremony in front of the Yum Center on 2nd and Main.

Leaders told supporters to keep saying Breonna Taylor's name and to keep peacefully fighting, calling for an end to violence.

Those in the crowd raising fists in solidarity and singing together "we are not afraid."

With police marching behind, protesters peacefully walked the streets of downtown.

But the message from many, including those gathered again at the Muhammad Ali Center a few hours later is that protests will continue.

►Contact reporter Tyler Emery at temery@WHAS11.com. Follow her on Twitter (@TylerWHAS11) and Facebook.  

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.  

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.  

RELATED: BLOG | Mayor Fischer continues to urge for peace as 40 more arrested during night 4 of protests

RELATED: Louisville, Kentucky coaches join voices of America calling for social change

RELATED: University of Louisville men's basketball assistant among dozens arrested during Breonna Taylor protests

RELATED: Focus turns to cleanup after three nights of protests

Before You Leave, Check This Out