LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — "We're not trying to peacefully protest just for it to end in riots and just for it to end in someone getting hurt," said Charles Turner Walker III is a third-generation activist.
He says the goal of recent protests has been to demand justice for George Floyd and an end to police brutality and centuries of oppression against African Americans.
For Walker, that means demonstrating peacefully and engaging in open conversations with officers on the ground.
"My goal personally was to try to communicate to as many officers and captains why I feel like my black life mattered and the importance of accountability."
Walker says that he hopes officers hold their own accountable as he holds his fellow protesters.
"I was in a situation where I'm talking to police officers and a few feet away from me here's a guy agitating officers and talking trash to officers and he's agitating them and he's really in their faces instigating."
Walker says he approached the other protester and got into a heated discussion.
"You're out here for all the wrong reasons. You're out here for every single reason we're not out here for."
Walker says if protesters are trying to keep it peaceful and make their voices heard, violence and agitation won't benefit them, although he understands their frustrations because he has them too.
With an understanding of our country's history of slavery and systemic racism, Walker says he will continue showing up for a brighter future.
"I have hope but I don't get my hopes up."
