Protests, faith gatherings held in Raleigh after deadly week

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Faith communities in Raleigh united Saturday at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in prayer and song.

They told ABC11 they are hoping for unity after yet another deadly week in America: The police shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, and Philando Castile in Minnesota, and five Dallas police officers shot and killed and seven others injured in an ambush.

"If you're ready for justice say 'yes.' If you're ready to unite say 'yes!'" Rev. Curtis Gatewood charged the crowd.

The group responded yes. They say they are tired of the same headline-black men gunned down by police. So they took their message to the streets - marching to the state Capitol.

Later in the afternoon members of the socially conscious group Living Ultraviolet rallied outside ABC11's studio in Raleigh.

The group and individuals who joined in the protest say they want change in the justice system - they believe oppresses minorities.

"We need to make a change," says Torris Greene. "Too many lives are being put at risk."

Protester Conrad James says the group rallies around the black lives matter movement to uplift minorities. The group says they are against hatred toward law enforcement and white people.

"It's not anti-anything-it's trying to instill the duty of enjoying and being confident in the skin that you're in because it seems a lot of black men and women are depressed."

The protest Saturday was peaceful.