Young members of the St. Paul C.M.E. church hold a sign that reads, “Black lives matter,” as they march through Russellville. Members of the community rallied against violence over the weekend.

During a time of the year that is set aside to remember America’s struggle with civil rights and one of the foremost leaders of that movement, members of the community marched in Russellville to show their support for the growing national movement against police brutality.

On Jan. 18 members of the St. Paul C.M.E. church in Russellville held a march to bring attention to the ongoing incidents and situations nationally regarding violence and specifically police violence.

Charles Dale, member of the church, said he was pleased with the turnout on Sunday considering the circumstances.

“We had a good turnout, though, there weren’t as many folks out there as we would have liked,” Dale said. “We made our way around after church service and there were some people who were at home because of the flu and other illnesses.”

Along with the crowd of marchers there were also four or five cars that followed during the route for a while.

The church members also participated on Jan. 19, the holiday remembering Martin Luther King, Jr., in a similar event in Tuscumbia, Ala.

“The point of these events, the reason we were out there doing what we were doing, was to bring awareness to the ongoing violence in this country,” Dale said. “We came together—in solidarity—to show that we are against all violence of every kind.

“We stand against violence for whatever reason and in whatever fashion it may come in. We are against violence against all people whether you are white, black, blue or purple.”

Dale said that A.M.E. and C.M.E. churches across the nation participated in similar events.

“This is the second time we have done something like this,” Dale said. “We’ve come together in one accord against violence.”

Dale said the event on Jan. 19 reminded him especially of the words that Martin Luther King, Jr. often stressed.

“We want everyone to know that violence is not the way, it is not the answer and it never is,” Dale said. “Dr. King always stressed that, even when people wanted to retaliate against the Ku Klux Klan in the 50s and 60s.”

Dale said under the guidance of Pastor Eric Williams at St. Paul A.M.E. they hope to make a difference and share their message with people.

“With him we are doing things,” Dale said. “We are going to be out there and we’re going to make a difference.”

Dale said it is important for local citizens to take part in their communities and their lives if they want to make a difference.

“People need to step forward to curtail violence,” Dale said. “We need to continue to talk to the young people and explain to them that violence is not the answer. Instead, we need to come together to find a solution to these problems that is non-violent. That is how you make a difference—by coming together.”