DENVER, Colorado — On Friday, Denver's ninth day of protests, a crowd marched through the streets while a brass band played, artists painted Colfax in dazzling color and many shared their fears, experiences and hopes with the group of hundreds gathered around the steps of the Capitol.
The group had gathered to demonstrate against the in-custody death of George Floyd and to protest police brutality and systemic racism.
Following Friday evening's first march, organizers hosted an open mic at the capitol where anyone attending the rally was invited to share their thoughts, feelings and stories.
(Note: This is raw video and contains profanity)
Meanwhile, a colorful mural of George Floyd was coming to life on Colfax Avenue and High Street. Black artists Detour and Hiero Viega said they are using to color to breathe life back to society.
"Use your art for change," they said. "Use your art to empower people”
Like most days this week, protesters began marching again as darkness fell. This time, they were led by the Brothers of Brass band.
Around 10:30 p.m. a large group stopped outside the Denver District 6 precinct. Dozens of officers were present, but standing back from the fence.
9NEWS Reporter Marc Sallinger said protesters chanted things like "peaceful protest", "why are you wearing riot gear, I don't see a riot here" and spoke through a megaphone. At least one also threw a water bottle over the fence, but it did not lead to a confrontation. This location is one where there were confrontations between police and protesters last week.
By just before midnight, most of the group had left the precinct and headed back toward the Capitol.
Protests this week have been peaceful, marked with moments of silence to honor Floyd's life, and conversations about racism, violence and discrimination.
Follow along with our reporter at Friday's protest:
Denver's 9 p.m. curfew, which was in place this week following multiple nights of riots that turned at times destructive, expired Friday morning.
PHOTOS: Day 9 of George Floyd protests in Denver
What to know right now:
- Charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin have been elevated, and three other former officers have now been charged for their involvement in the death of George Floyd.
- RTD bus service into and out of downtown will be suspected Saturday due to the crowds expected for this weekend's protests. Train and light rail service to Union Station will run as normal, but some light rail service into the downtown core will be affected. See the full details here.
- Denver Police hosted a virtual town hall Wednesday night to talk with community members about how the department can improve.
- 9NEWS hosted a town hall on racism in Colorado
- Denver Police Officer Thomas McClay was terminated following a social media post earlier this week that included the words, 'Let's start a riot."
- New legislation was introduced to “strip immunity” from law enforcement and prevent officers from transferring to another department after being fired.
- Colorado Springs is under a 10 p.m. curfew through June 8.
Small protests have also happened over the last few days in Fort Collins, Castle Rock, Aurora, Craig and several mountain communities.
Protests last week and over the weekend were peaceful during the day, but escalated to riots at night that included fires, vandalism, graffiti and looting, as well as confrontations with police in which tear gas, pepper balls and foam projectiles were deployed.
Prior Denver Protests Coverage
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VIDEOS: 9NEWS coverage of George Floyd