BRADENTON, Fla. — Protesters marched from Bradenton to Palmetto to honor George Floyd and call for an end to police brutality.


What You Need To Know

  • Protesters march in honor of George Floyd, call for end to police brutality

  • Several elected officials made speeches during the event

A crowd of several hundred people gathered in front of Bradenton Police headquarters early Sunday night.

They carried signs reading "Justice for George" and "Inequality Stops Now.”

After a short rally, they walked across the Green Bridge, which connects Bradenton and Palmetto.

Participants said they're looking for a different kind of "connection.”

"The human race has to come together and be one," said Charles Taylor, a pastor at Mount Raymond Full Gospel Baptist Church.

The group ended at Sutton Park, where they held a larger rally.

Karissa Mayer brought her 5-year-old daughter Lydia. The child made a sign urging people to "be kind.”

Mayer said she's tried to explain to her daughter what happened to Floyd, but she said the child is struggling to understand.

"When I tried to explain what was happening to her, she looked at me like I had four heads. Her response to me was, ‘Nobody in Mrs. Jefferson's class would ever do that. We all love each other. Nobody at my school does that,’ and I needed her to see that it's not just about words, it's about action, and I needed to set an example," Mayer said.

Several elected officials made speeches at the event. They told the crowd they are listening to their concerns.

"I know we're discussing body cameras, which will be a large outlay of cash for the county and with the pandemic cash is going to be short this year, but it's probably going to be important," said Priscilla Trace, Manatee County Commissioner.

Speakers also talked about the importance of voting rights, education, and getting the faith-based community involved.

"I'm definitely encouraged. I'm blessed as a local pastor in the community. We're definitely blessed to see the unity among brothers and sisters and people coming together for one good cause and one purpose," Taylor said.

While they held signs that said "End Racism," people said this movement is just beginning.