For attendees like Roseann Mays, she fears for her family every day. 

 

“I’m tired of seeing the news stories and wondering if it's gonna happen to my son,” said Roseann Mays, a pastor at Bread of Life Ministries. “We just need something to be done so we don’t have to worry and just live in fear of this stuff happening.”

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Mays wasn’t the only individual to feel this way.

 

“I can’t say what white mothers feel like when their child leaves the house, but I have the fear that my son’s not gonna return, and like the crowd is saying right now, black lives matter,” said Beth Vaughn about her 19-year-old son, Daron Norris. 

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“Justice has to be served. As a mother I can’t image what would happen if I saw a video of my child screaming out for me, ‘Mom, I can’t breathe.’” 

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As the protestors neared the conclusion of their march down Main Street, they ran into veterans and counter protestors at the veteran’s memorial in front of the Rowan County Art Center.

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“We’re here to protect the memorial,” said Mark Gilliam. “Most of us are veterans. We just came here to make sure nobody destroys it. If I wasn’t doing this, I would be marching with you guys. I’m all for it.”

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While a majority of the individuals were peaceful and respectful, an altercation did almost occur between a member on each side.

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As a conclusion to the march, a vigil was held to honor Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and many more who have lost their lives. 

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Pastor Jason Mays said a few words along with others that felt compelled to do so. 

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“We are out here just in support and solidarity because we know it could happen in Morehead, because racism is ignorance all grown up,” said Roseann Mays. “The roots are a lot of time what we see and what we feel that people might not say out loud, but that’s why I’m glad we were able to go out here today and be with everyone in solidarity.”