Protests continue for sixth consecutive day in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Protesters took to the streets again Saturday in downtown Columbia.

The NAACP organized a protest that began at 1 p.m. on the steps of the Boone County Courthouse. Columbia Mayor Brian Treece took a knee with protesters and spoke to the crowd.

"It's powerful. It's so powerful to see people coming together unified, and this wasn't just black Columbia or white Columbia, it's the Jewish community and the Muslim community. And I think when we all stand in solidarity against some of the things that we've seen across the country it powers us to do better here at home," Treece said.

One group of protesters gathered outside of City Hall at 6:30 p.m. to march downtown.

Organizers handed out water and glow sticks to demonstrators for when it became dark. They also brought supplies for demonstrators to make signs. Different people came forward to speak to the group before the march.

Several people were handing out water and free food to protesters downtown.

Another group of around 40 people gathered at the Boone County Courthouse around 5 p.m. That group also marched downtown.

Both groups joined together to march through downtown shortly before 6:40 p.m.

Police blocked off intersections to keep protesters safe as they made their way through the streets.

During the week officers have been walking on the streets with protests and using patrol vehicles to block off intersections.