CORBIN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Rallies aren't just happening in major cities. Many are being held in smaller communities.
Last night was a first for Corbin, where protesters hit the streets to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Corbin has a population of 7,500. Its main street proudly lined with American flags.
Thursday night, a group of protesters lined the street hoping to raise awareness about racism.
The News Journal, the local paper, captured video of about 100 people showing their support for people of color and their struggles past and present.
Another group stood across the street with guns. All were peaceful.
"All lives matter," said Ted Salmons. "We're all individuals. God-created all of us so I think it's good for I think it's good it's a different then probably what it was years ago."
100 years ago, Corbin had a dark past of racism. Those who live and work say that's not the Corbin of today.
"The history I know of said there were some blacks put on a train and taken out of town but I have no way of knowing what happened then," said Marlan Sams.
"Your message is this is not the from a 100 years ago exactly a thriving community were growing downtowns been revitalized Jordan company we want people to come and live work and play in Corbin Kentucky."
Lifelong residents like Ted Salmons knows there is still lots of healing to do. But he hopes it can be done peacefully.
"Today I think people are smarter and more educated than they were back then and realize that everybody is equal," said Salmons. "All of us are in this world together God-created all of us we have to love each other."
