Above, Durham police kept an eye on demonstrators Saturday. Photo by Henry Haggart | The 9th Street Journal
The demonstrators in downtown Durham Saturday were passionate. They took turns giving impromptu speeches and there were periodic shouts against the police.
But unlike other cities, Durham’s protest was peaceful, drawing praise from Sheriff Clarence Birkhead.
“I am proud of these men and women from all races and backgrounds and how they came together to peacefully let their voices be heard regarding needed change in the criminal justice system,” Birkhead said in a statement. “The system is not perfect, it is not equitable for all, and it is in need of reform.”
Writer Carmela Guaglianone and photographer Henry Haggart covered the demonstration and filed this report.