Local protest in support of Brown, Garner inside Youngstown building

YOUNGSTOWN — Darrell Smith and Jeffrey Redden said they want change and justice.

So the two and a couple other friends staged a peaceful protest early today at 20 Federal Place, sitting on the floor in the lobby as a way to protest recent decisions by grand juries in Ferguson, Mo., and New York City that failed to indict white police officers who were involved in the deaths of black men.

Both stressed that what they want most is peace between people of all races.

“I just wanted to do something for peace and to stop the violence,” Smith, of Warren said.

“We want to make a better world,” added Redden of Youngstown.

About 20 people gathered around Smith and Redden and at least two other friends, filming them on their cellphones. Four city police officers were also present inside the building but they stayed at a distance and just watched and chatted among themselves. They left a short time later.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com