'Wake Up Danville': Hundreds march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement in East Bay
DANVILLE, Calif. (KGO) -- Hundreds marched peacefully Sunday afternoon to support the Black Lives Matter movement in a community where demonstrations are rare.
The peaceful march was organized by 25-year-old Danville native Alexandra Aqua.
"My friends and I came together and we said it's time for Danville to wake up," said Aqua.
In fact, "Wake up Danville" was the name of the event.
Aqua said she was so moved by the death of George Floyd she knew she had bring a message to her hometown.
"I never thought this would be my reality, we talk about Rosa Parks, we talk about Martin Luther King, this is a moment, this is real," said Aqua.
Michael Ambrose and his mom Sydney came out to march.
"We need to be loud, there's not a lot of black people in this town, we don't like police brutality, so we're out supporting them," said Sydney Ambrose.
RELATED: Meet the 2 Bay Area teens who organized, led massive Black Lives Matter rally on Golden Gate Bridge
Before the march, some shared painful stories, they say systemic racism has no place here or anywhere.
"Living in Danville, I can never not see color because I'm constantly reminded of mine," said Danville resident Madison Nance.
The Zifodya Family was inspired that so many people took the time to take a stand.
"We don't typically see people in our neighborhood supporting the cause, so this means a lot to us," said Danville resident Sally Zofoyda.
Several weeks ago, some Danville businesses boarded up doors and windows, fearing the same vandalism which occurred in Walnut Creek, but it never happened.
Alexandra says her cause is peaceful, powerful and honest.
"There are people dying, let's bring the same energy to something which is my everyday life," Aqua said.
Take a look at the latest stories and videos about the investigation into George Floyd's death in Minneapolis and protests across the U.S.
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