A civil rights group held a daylong event in Bridgeport Saturday in hopes of shedding light on the plight of the city's black citizens.

Representatives from Voices of Freedom say racism is real and not going anywhere in the southwestern Connecticut city. The organization hopes to gain attention to the struggles facing blacks by speaking up.

"It's all about people who don't have a voice," says Carolyn Nah.

Members of the clergy and various experts were on hand for the event to discuss the racial climate. Topics discussed included everything from criminal justice to housing concerns and education.

Voices of Freedom says their main objective is to overcome misfortune and be a blessing to one another.