A group of more than 100 people marched from the Peoria Heights Public Library to Tower Park Saturday morning as part of a peaceful protest against police brutality and racial inequity.
Tanisha Cayson said she wanted to organize a "family-centered" protest in which children could participate.
"I think that children need to know what's going on in the world today, too, because they have a voice also," Cayson said. "So we have to let them know that they are protected, they are safe, they have to know that they are loved, and we also want them to have that self-esteem of who they are."
Cayson said she wanted to be able to show her niece what a protest is like, stand up for herself, and have a voice. The diverse group of marchers included several families.
Peoria Heights Mayor Mike Phelan marched with the protesters Saturday. He said this is a trying time for the country.
"We need change, and the only way that's going to be accomplished is by good, civil people sitting down and talking about that," he said. "Drawing attention to something that's a problem, that needs to change, is a good thing."
Phelan and Peoria Heights Police Chief Dustin Sutton supported Saturday's peaceful demonstration to Tower Park, where several speakers gave remarks. A voter registration table was set up near the pavillion.
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