On Friday evening, a crowd of well over 100 people marched through north Columbus, waving signs and chanting for justice. They wanted to draw attention to the death of Ricky Ball, the 26-year-old Columbus man killed in a police-involved shooting Oct. 16.
The parade began around 3 p.m. at Sim Scott Park, according to multiple participants.
LaTisha Williams, who lives in north Columbus, told The Dispatch marchers stopped by Carter Funeral Home on 14th Street North, which was holding a visitation for Ball. Some went inside the funeral home to view the body. The march continued for several hours and was still going strong a few minutes before 6 p.m.
Councilman Marty Turner, who took part in the march, said the event had several organizers. He participated, he said, to show his support. Turner has been vocal in his criticism, particularly on social media platforms, of how the city has responded to Ball’s shooting.
The parade included crowds of people from both north and south Columbus. Marchers of all ages and genders, including elementary-aged children and women pushing strollers, made their voices heard through northside neighborhoods. The march went from Carter’s back to Sim Scott Park to the Boys & Girls Club on 14th Avenue to Railroad Street and continued from there.
“We want the whole world to know we want justice for Ricky Ball,” Williams said.
Marchers held hand-made signs reading “All Lives Matter,” “Justice for Ricky Ball” and “I Am Ricky Ball.” As they marched, they chanted, “No justice, no peace, no racist police!” and “The people united will never be defeated!”
Many residents came out of their homes and lined sidewalks to see the marchers as they passed.
Turner told The Dispatch that Friday’s march was meant to draw attention to another march that will take place Tuesday. That march is being organized by Ball’s first cousin, Ernesto Ball, who plans for it to begin at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and then go to the Municipal Complex in time for the 5 p.m. city council meeting. Marchers will then go back to 14th Avenue North, where Ricky Ball was loaded into an ambulance on Oct. 16. Marchers will then hold a candlelight vigil and prayer, Ernesto Ball said.
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