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A large crowd of demonstrators took to the streets in Taunton Thursday with signs calling for justice and equality.

Thegroup started gathering outside First Parish Church in Taunton across from the police station around 4 p.m. Speakers took to a microphone and some joined in song.

By 6 p.m., the crowd was asked to disperse, many choosing to relocate a quarter mile down the road on the city green space.

"With you doing this, you're saying you are going to be peaceful for the rest of the night," 18-year-old Sonya Fernandez said with her fist held high.

It didn't take long before she was leading the group in chants.

"I don't want to have to go and fear for myself when I go in the middle of the street or if I want to go take a walk, take a jog and play basketball," Fernandez.

She's one of many demonstrators in Taunton Thursday with a story, a message, a passion.

"We just want to see justice, to know that we are equal, we all have rights," explained Albertina Pereira.

Police officers remained attentive throughout the evening, standing their ground while keeping the peace.

"As long as we show them respect, they give it back and that is all that matters," said Fernandez.

Fernandez set an example for those looking up. She helped instruct crowds to move back, while also making her messages clear.

Standing amongst the crowd was a young girl and her mom, both with signs.

"It doesn't matter what color you are. It matters what personality you are," explained the young girl.

Her proud mom is teaching her to stand up and speak out for a better tomorrow.

"That she just gets every single chance and opportunity as every other child and every other adult in this world," said her mom.

To attain that, protestors said changes must be made across the board.

"Different minds in government, multiple different races representing each other, not just one majority race," explained Nick Texiera.

Helicopters remained in the area, the National Guard was also on standby around the city, but people remained peaceful.

Around 10 p.m., after protestors continued to ask officers to take a knee with them, two Taunton police officers did.