Nearly 2,000 people gathered in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wednesday for a rally against police brutality, following the arrest and death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week.
Many attendees also participated in a separate march and protest in Downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ following the rally, ending the night with a civil, face-to-face conversation with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police officers.
The rally, hosted by March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, was one of several demonstrations around the country to attract large crowds in the last week, including protests in Downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ over the weekend and a vigil at Dunbar Pavilion Monday.
Starting at 4 p.m., several community members spoke to a crowd of mostly young adults, discussing their own experiences with racism and urging attendees to take action against violence toward Black Americans. Attendees held up signs that said “Say Their Names,†“Cancel Racism,†“Color is Not a Crime,†and “White Silence is Violence.â€
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Mariah Barnette, a senior at the UA, spoke about the disproportionate rates of punishment for members of the black community. Other speakers called on community members to vote in both local and national elections this year.

Supporters listen to speaker Grant Knox during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
“It is no coincidence that black people are targeted and incarcerated at a rate five times higher than their white counterparts. It is no coincidence that black people are impacted at a much higher rate by police brutality,†Barnette said. “And it is certainly no coincidence that black people are murdered at a significantly higher rate than anyone by police brutality.â€
Another speaker, 15-year-old Janel Drummer, said the first time she experienced racism was at six-years old in a ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ ice-cream shop. She went on to say that racism follows her in all aspects of her life, including in school where she said she’s been made fun of for the color of her skin, called racial slurs and punished without cause on multiple occasions.
Grant Knox, a graduate student at the UA, spoke about his experiences as a black man in higher education and said for a long time he felt he needed to leave his culture behind in order to pursue a successful career in academia.
“Our blackness is no longer a threat once we are found to be educated, civil and are wealthy. Actually, not. Our blackness is no longer a threat once we are found to be subservient,†he said. “I’m sick of existing in a space in academia where my thoughts, my research and my abilities are only validated so long as I fit the mold.â€
Attorneys from the National Lawyers Guild of Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ were also present and spoke about the rights of protesters and how they could be protected in altercations with police officers.
There were several University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police officers posted in buildings and the surrounding area, but there were no altercations between attendees and the officers. Organizers said multiple times throughout the event that it was a “peaceful and healing space.â€
“This is the way rallys should be. This was wonderful,†said UAPD Chief Brian Seastone.
Protesters laid in the road for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in symbolic protest of the death of George Floyd.
Following the rally, about 100 people also gathered Downtown in front of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department. March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, the organizers of the rally, said in a statement on Facebook that they were not associated with the protest.
TPD officers had all sides of the police station flanked as protesters arrived. Officers were not wearing tactical gear and did not have weapons in hand, which was different from protests over the weekend that resulted in at least $200,000 in property damage and 19 arrests.
Upon their arrival, protesters laid in the street in front of the police station for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in symbolic protest of the death of George Floyd. Protesters continued chanting the names of other black people who have been killed by police officers, including Phoenix man Dion Johnson who was shot by a Department of Public Safety trooper.
With an 8 p.m. curfew in place throughout the state, many protesters began to leave. Those that stayed, however, engaged in face-to-face conversation with officers who came down to speak with them.

Officers take a knee with protesters outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020. The act was appreciated by some in the crowd.
Protesters spoke with officers about the department’s protocols, ways they could be more inclusive and earn trust from the black community in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. TPD Assistant Chief Kevin Hall told the protesters that he was interested in conducting an equity assessment within the department and working to help change policies.
“That’s how you change systems,†he said. “Don’t let this go away.â€
One protester, Chelsi Austin, said she was pleasantly surprised with the interaction and is hoping that this leads to future conversations and change.
“I feel like it was extremely beneficial because a lot of people are angry. I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m upset. But without that conversation happening, my anger goes nowhere. My sadness stays within me,†she said. “When you have that conversation and you try and talk about how we move forward, then you can feel some sort of hope that there will be some resolve.â€
One protester said, “More conversations and opportunities like this are what going to create understanding and create change.â€
Photos: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans rally against police brutality at UA, police headquarters
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A poster in honor of George Floyd is placed on a column at the Student Union Memorial Center during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters listen to speaker Grant Knox during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A person raises a sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Grant Knox speaks during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A sign baring a list of black people killed in the last few decades is held up by a protester during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Police officers are seen on the third story of the student union during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protester raises a sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A sign reading "no justice, no peace" is seen in a sea of protesters during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

The shadow of a supporter raising a sign shows on the grass of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Two supporters sit in the shade with posters on their legs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter wears "Black Lives Matter" earrings during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A large group of supporters stand on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall while listening to speakers during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Brian Seastone, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ police chief, stands with supporters during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter stands against a glass door while holding a "Black Lives Matter" sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters hold up signs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Light shines on a supporters sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter sits on a curb while holding a "End Police Brutality Black Lives Matter" sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A group of supporters hold up signs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Members of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department watch rally members disperse after March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Stephanie Williams, left, takes a photo of Briana Felix and University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Chief of Police Brian Seastone following March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters listen to speakers from the porch of Old Main during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Light shines on a supporters sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Andrew Kirima holds his fist up in solidarity during a chant at a rally organized by March for Justice in front of Old Main in the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A group of supporters stand near the back while listening to speeches about race during a rally against police brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3rd, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Two supporters hold up a “Black Lives Matter†sign while listening to speeches about race during a rally against police brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3rd, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protesters raises a sign as others lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protesters raises his fist as others lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Officers look on as protesters lie in the road in memory of George Floyd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Officers take a knee with protesters outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020. The acts was appreciated by some in the crowd while others saw it as surface level.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters wave signs outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters wave signs outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Vannessa Medina sits on the ground in front of fellow protesters as an officer from TPD talks to the remaining crowd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Vannessa Medina sits on the ground in front of fellow protesters as an officer from TPD talks to the remaining crowd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Aireona Slan listens as an officer answers questions outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protester talks to a TPD officer during an impromptu rally outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Chelsi Austin (right) asks Officer Diana Duffy (left) questions outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A person holds up a black lives matter sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters hold up signs in front of Old Main during a rally organized by March for Justice on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Andrew Kirima raises a fist in solidarity during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ reporter Curt Prendergast contributed to this story.Â