HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Community members made their way down Laburnum Avenue chanting spiritual hymns and saying the names of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor Sunday afternoon.
The "United March: United for Love, United for Justice, United because Black Lives Matter” was hosted by the Richmond District of the United Methodist Church.
"It's very important to see black and white people coming together at this time," one woman marching said.
People of all ages and races walked side by side, unified in their desire for change.
The crowd called out "No justice, no peace" in hopes of due process after the deaths of Floyd and Taylor and the countless others killed by police violence.
Protesters said officers must be held accountable.
"Were hoping that the police officers are charged, not even charged, convicted," one woman said.
She said the disparities when it comes to people of color and their treatment by law enforcement are obvious.
"That shouldn't be happening," she said. "We're supposed to be equal and that needs to happen."
Many attending the march said they hope the strong turnout will prove to be a step in the right direction in the fight against social injustice.
The group's message was unity and working together to make a difference.
"It is different this time. I have been fighting it since I was little," Aileen Oneill-Owens said. "I have three black children and I love them with all my heart. And I want them to have the same opportunities in life as my white children."
Oneill-Owens was optimistic about what she witnessed Sunday.
"It's a small march, but every step counts, right?" she said. "Every person that takes one step towards equality and justice for all -- and end this vicious, vicious world of racism."
