Hundreds of people joined leaders of Black Lives Matter Eugene to peacefully protest through downtown Springfield Saturday night.
The protest lasted about three hours and began with Moses Jackson, an organizer, telling the mostly white crowd they needed to do more with their privilege.
“The number one thing that we want is the freedom to pursue our own destiny,” said Jackson.
As protesters marched through downtown Springfield, people came out of their homes to watch. They were encouraged to join.
"Out of your house and into the streets! Out of your house and into the streets."
Protesters even tried to get police to join - chanting “Take a knee for unity.”
In a tense moment, leader Clea Ibrahim, on her knees, pleaded with officers to join her. They didn’t.
For the most part, Springfield police kept a wide berth while managing traffic on the route.
Fellow leader Isaiah Wagoner ended the evening with another call for the allies in the crowd to join in.
“Your voices help our voices echo,” Said Wagoner.
Organizers announced they plan to hold another event Sunday, June 7 at 12:00 pm at Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza.
