>> reporter: emily izigarri also took part in the protests that went viral. says she couldn't just sit idly by after hearing about the discrimination that caschetta has endured in lowell. >> cedric would sitit at my kitchen table, in tears, both of us, telling me the stories he went through. it opened my mind, and that made me want to get out and do something. >> reporter: caschetta says he's encouraged by white allies who came out to march at his side. >> the support of the community helping me. in the beginning, the people who did help me in the beginning, already makes it stronger. one more unity chant before we get in there. unity on three! one, two, three! >> unity! >> reporter: some longtime residents are also getting involved. ken traavis has lived in lowell for 35 years. he says he's never taken part in a demonstration, but marched with the protestors to show his support. >> it just seems a shhame ththae really h haven't come veery fart all. they're the ones that are going to change the world. >> reporter: caschettta says he realizes that society has