Protesters gather peacefully in Southport and march to I.L.A. Hall

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Protests for the Black Lives Matter movement continue in the Cape Fear area.

A group gathered at Waterfront Park in Southport to listen to the words of Pastor Brian Monroe.

Despite the rain, the group listened intently to Monroe speak about the movement and the need for change.

As the remarks concluded, the group sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as they marched to I.L.A. Hall.

The protesters carried signs that read “Friends Don’t Let Friends Be Racist,” “Vote Like Your Life Depends On It Because It Does,” and “Let Justice Roll Like A River And Righteousness Like An Ever-Flowing Stream.”

Southport Police escorted the group on their march from South Howe Street, to West Moore Street, to North Lord Street, ending at I.L.A. Hall.

Once the protesters arrived at I.L.A. Hall, leaders were prepared to help the protesters register to vote.

Activist Jamaal Cowan says there are many ways to promote this message.

“I think a couple things people can do besides voting and stuff like that is listen to one another,” Cowan said. “I think a lot of problems can be resolved if we just listen to one another open-heartedly. That doesn’t necessarily mean we have to agree on everything, but if you can see my point of view and understand my point of view and I can understand yours, I think we can go farther.”