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Dozens of protestors peacefully march through Rancho Mirage, police lend support

A peaceful protest at the Rancho Mirage Community Park has wrapped up after dozens of protestors gathered then marched down Highway 111.

Speakers shared their thoughts and experiences around George Floyd's murder, police brutality and racism in America.

The protest was organized by Nina Smith – it was her third in three days, and she said she's not stopping there.

"It just motivated me to bring peace to the valley, across the valley, so I’ve dedicated myself to march every day – protest everyday in a different city in the valley until I make my way to LA," Smith said.

Parents and extended families brought young children, hoping to make an impact and teach valuable lessons.

"We’ve had discussions with all of them from ages 5 to 13 here," said Jenna Conrad. "It’s my job as an aunt, and my job as a white woman, and my job as someone who’s trying to become an ally in the Black Lives Matter movement so they can become an ally."

After several hours of peacefully protesting in the park, the group mobilized to march down Highway 111. There was a marked police presence both on the ground as well as with a helicopter in the air.

Smith said she was grateful to have the support of the Sheriff's Dept.

"They are extending their hands to help us. If we feel we are going to go down and have a heat stroke or anything like that, they have made it very clear that they are there to help. They have waters in their cars," she said. "To have them on our side, that means the most because that’s the whole thing – we want the nation as well as the rest of the state to unite the way that they are uniting with us."

The group was determined to get their message across.

"It’s important to spread the word in your community, in your own small community because every voice counts," Conrad said.

Smith said it was critical to remain peaceful – and meant everything to her to unite forces with police.

"We want unity, we want solidarity, we want you guys to understand why we feel the way we do and we want you guys to protest with us and stand with us as a unit," Smith said.

If you know of other protests happening around the valley, send them to us at share@kesq.com.

You can reach Jake on TwitterFacebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.

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Jake Ingrassia

Joining News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 as a reporter, Jake is excited to be launching his broadcasting career here in the desert. Learn more about Jake here.

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