Lansing - More than 100 peace promoters trekked from the Union to the Capitol on Saturday afternoon to show solidarity for a nonviolent response to the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington.

Demonstrators walked, jogged and rode bikes - some carried signs that sported the slogan “One Human Family” - while others discussed peaceful solutions. The march ended on the steps of the Capitol, where gatherers listened to music and speeches.

Environmental policy junior Liisa Bergmann, an organizer of the march, addressed the crowd with hopes of inspiring political debate and putting out a peaceful message.

“We are asking political leaders to consider and pursue peaceful rather than military responses to the tragic events on Sept. 11,” she said. “We hope our march in coordination with other marches across the country will influence decision-makers across the country.”

Bergmann said the group demonstrated on behalf of America’s civil liberties, too.

“As taxpayers, we have the right to know what our tax dollars are funding, whether or not it is after the fact,” she said. “We ask that people act without prejudice against people that are Muslims.”

Other demonstrators, such as marketing senior Melissa Bott, marched to listen to music and support the peace rally.

“I’m here to show that we are all one human family,” she said. “I think a lot can be taught through music.”

Organizers encouraged the demonstrators to send letters to elected officials in Washington to express the anti-violence sentiment shared at the rally.

“I think (the rally) will help unite the people in our community that want peace,” said Billie Kitzman, a Lansing resident. “It’ll spread throughout our community so we can be united.”

Journalism junior Andrew Warsinske said he hopes the demonstration will inform people of the peaceful option in response to the attacks.

“This is a cause that I believe in,” he said. “I am really hoping that this will at least keep the communication going and make sure that everything isn’t one sided.”

Warsinske said he didn’t really know what to expect at the rally, but was pleased with the turnout and support.

“I like what’s been said, and we have some diversity, too,” he said. “We have different groups within the community coming together.”