Dozens of people gathered in Bridgeport Friday to call for unity in one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods in memory of George Floyd.

Floyd was the black man whose police custody death in Minneapolis has sparked protests and calls for change nationwide.

Christina Marie Padilla said she organized the event to bring the community closer together and give everyone their own voice.

"This is a predominately white neighborhood, you know, and we live in a nice, beautiful, little happy bubble over here and we totally disregard our neighbors right across the street in PT," Padilla said.

Padilla believes the gathering inspired other community members to take action in bringing equality for all.

"I hope that this will open the eyes of people to get more involved with their community to volunteer to reach out to the youth, to donate, to vote," Padilla added.

"If you sit there and complain and you don't vote, and you don't donate, and you don't volunteer, then don't complain, and I myself am guilty of this. And now that I have found the resources, I will be actively involved in the community as long as I can," Padilla said.

The community hopes to do its part in putting an end to systemic racism.

"There are so many people in this community that are willing to help change it,” Padilla said.