Durham activists march in support of Baltimore

A march and rally were held Friday evening in Durham in support of Baltimore protesters angered by the death of a black man in police custody.

The event, initiated by the Durham Solidarity Center, began in front of the Durham Police Station at about 5 p.m. and was followed by a march to the Durham County Jail.

"We seek justice," Ajamu Dillahunt, representative of NC Heat and Black Workers for Justice, said in a statement. "Justice looks like an end to the killing of unarmed black people at the hands of police officers. Justice looks like an end to the prison industrial complex. Justice looks like an end to racist housing policy and gentrification, which exacerbates surveillance and policing in black communities.”

Nearly 300 participants held signs and chanted as they made the peaceful one mile trek through downtown Durham.

"I am here because this moment is really powerful and I am excited to dream a difference future for our community," said protestor Mel Lorton.

Some protesters marched for what they called other social injustices. Nadia Porter marched for her father who was incarcerated for a non-violent crime.

"I'm here standing in solidarity with him and what may have happened while he was incarcerated," she said.

Hundreds of people have marched in cities across the country in recent days - cities including Boston, New York and Indianapolis - to protest the April 19 death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore.

Baltimore's top prosecutor announced charges Friday against the six officers in the arrest of Gray.

Gray's arrest was recorded on cellphone videos by bystanders. His death has led to protests, rioting and looting in Baltimore.

No arrests were made during Friday's march.