MEMPHIS, Tenn. — “All lives matter” was one of the messages at a unity rally and prayer held Tuesday at the Memphis City Hall.
The event was held in light of the tragic death of Memphis Police Officer Sean Bolton, who was murdered Saturday.
Tuesday there were all ages and all races coming together at the prayer. Hand in hand, through prayer, a group of about 100 shared their sadness the fallen officer and the violence in Memphis.
“In our city so much going on, shooting, so much killing, and for the officer that just got shot it was very touching,” LaTrossica Wilson said.
Wilson brought her 15-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son to the prayer.
They didn’t know Bolton, but Wilson said it’s important to show them they can have a voice and push for change.
“They need to know there’s a lot going on in this city, and they need to know that we need to voice our opinions,” she said.
Andrew Tilton and Brian Oliver were also at the rally.
“Angry, sadness, frustrated.”
Those were some of the emotions Oliver said he felt when he heard about Bolton’s death.
Tilton runs the “Blue Lives Matter” Facebook page.
The two didn’t know Bolton but felt a need to be at Tuesday’s prayer.
“They risk their lives everyday for us,” Tilton said. “The least we can do is show up and show them that people care.”
The group gathered for about half an hour, but Wilson said she hopes she can send a lasting impression to parents.
“Bring your children out, teach them, expose them to what’s happening is wrong and we need to grasp hold of our community,” she said.
Many people said they plan to attend Bolton’s funeral, which is planned for Thursday at 11 a.m. at Bellevue Baptist Church.
