Social Media Plays Major Role In Freddie Gray Protests

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As marches continue across the city, many organizers are turning to Twitter and Facebook to get the word out.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the role social media is playing in Baltimore.

Hundreds of students filled the streets of Baltimore Wednesday, many of them organizing online.

A sea of people filled city blocks, calling for the city to come together. Tuesday's peaceful protest was made up of hundreds of students.

Word of the rally spread like wildfire on social media throughout college and high school campuses.

"Social media has been that communication that we were looking for," said Coppin State senior Rodrick Johnson.

"It's the quickest way for us to spread our message. It's the quickest way for us to gather. It's the quickest way for us to organize," said Coppin State student Grace-Kelly Anoma.

Unfortunately, social media also played a role in one of the darker moments of the past few days. The chaos that erupted on Monday outside Mondawmin Mall first started with a flyer on Instagram calling for a "Purge." The post sparked a heavy police presence.

"It's also been used to create havoc and bring folks that wish to do harm to the city of Baltimore out in force and allow them to understand where to meet and where to congregate," said Evan Blair, ZeroFox co-founder.

Still, some of the more inspiring moments we've seen---including community cleanup efforts---have started online.

"We came out in a peaceful way to help clean up and support each other, support the community," said teacher Marvin Briscoe.

And the community will be out again. Word of another large rally Friday is already spreading quickly online. That rally is set to take place at McKeldin Square Friday at 5 p.m.

The hashtag #BMoreThursday is trending on Twitter, asking people to support small businesses on Thursday.