Groups across country hold "Friday of Solidarity"

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Friday evening, groups across the country held what they called "Friday of Solidarity."

In Chicago, people gathered for a vigil and march in Washington Park near 51st and King Drive on the city's South Side.

Members of Assata's Daughters organized the vigil and march. Speakers in the park protested killings here in Chicago and across the country. Washington Park is where a young man by the name of Ryan Johnson was shot and killed by police in October 2014.

Several people have talked about the climate of strained relationships between police and the black community. They say too many people are losing their lives after encounters with police.

"The numbers are really staggering at this point. Like how many black men and women and people of color that they are just killing without regard for life. So at this point it seems like they're just lawless, just out here killing, and they're not being punished for their actions," said vigil attendee Essence McDowell.

After the speakers were done with their speeches, the group planned to march.