Residents and organizations in Alexandria have planned two vigils and a virtual town hall to discuss race in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, an African American man in Minneapolis.
Here in Alexandria, there is a vigil to #EndWhiteSilence Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), a chapter of a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice, is hosting the vigil to show that George Floyd’s and Breonna Taylor’s murderers were not just rogue cops, but they represent underlying conditions of racist policing. Attendees are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. Learn more about the vigil here.
In addition, there is a virtual town hall meeting titled "Facing Racism. Demanding Change." right after the Tuesday vigil to #EndWhiteSilence.
The 7 p.m. Tuesday virtual town hall will honor Floyd, and provide an opportunity for residents to share their voices. The event will feature a panel of civic leaders, including Living Legend and Activist Joyce Rawling; Councilman John Taylor Chapman; Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr.; and Alexandria youth leader Kamryn Powell. The panel will be moderated by the City’s Race and Social Equity Officer, Jaqueline Tucker. Community breakout sessions will be held during the town hall to address next steps.
The event, co-sponsored by ACT for Alexandria, will be hosted online at zoom.us/j/95162556812 or by phone at 312.626.6799 (Meeting ID 951 6255 6812)
A peaceful vigil is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, for George Floyd and others who have lost their lives because of the color of their skin. The event will start in the parking lot of Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Learn more about the planned event here.
