Protesters march through SE Houston to send message in wake of police shootings

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- With chants of "No justice, no peace! No racist police!" Black Lives Matter supporters marched from MacGregor Park through the University of Houston down to Texas Southern University on Saturday night.

As part of a "Day of Remembrance," they protested in honor of people who have died from officer-involved shootings or other incidents locally and across the nation.

"We just want black people to feel safe in our communities. We want to go outside without worrying about if police are going to kill us today or harass us today," explained Gregory Chatman, one of the organizers of the event.

"Racism is real in America. The Civil Rights movement did a lot but it didn't accomplish everything," Jonathan Muse said.

Speakers in MacGregor Park emphasized the importance of speaking up and not letting others silence their voices. They also encouraged people to vote not just in the presidential election, but local elections as well.

Things got tense as some protesters faced off with Houston police officers on the UH campus. Officers were trying to keep them from heading toward I-45. The protesters then turned and walked through the parking lot instead, with officers walking closely beside them.

Officers on horseback and in police cruisers followed the crowd as it made its way to the Texas Southern University campus.

Protesters hope that this march sends a message.