Students Reflect On Baltimore Riots Anniversary With Silent Demonstration

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Prayer and a silent march is how one high school marked the anniversary of the death of Freddie Gray and the upheaval that followed.

Alex DeMetrick has more.

The three hundred students of Mercy High  started their school day by walking out of school.

"We're going to process together as a school community in a really public way to demonstrate for peace and justice in silent witness," said Marybeth Lennon, principal at Mercy High.

"Clothe yourself with heartfelt mercy. With composure, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience," the students said during prayers on the front steps.

Qualities that weren't always present one year ago in Baltimore, when rioting erupted following the death of Freddie Gray.

The students chose to remember that day with a silent march to Northern Parkway and Loch Raven Boulevard.

Students tell WJZ they prayed for good for our city and hope for a better future.

Horns made a noisy show of support for the student's message.

"We should also try to not escalate situations in times of struggle. If we're upset we should lean on each other for support," said Malaika Wanjihia, a Mercy High student.

The students silent demonstration ended an hour after it started, when they returned to school and classwork.