NAACP to Hold Vigil in Honor of Floyd in Pasadena Tonight

The Pasadena NAACP, the National Association of Day Laborers (NDLON), along with faith leaders from the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA and the Community Clergy Coalition (CCC), will hold a peaceful

vigil in honor of George Floyd at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 at First AME Church, 1700 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Floyd was killed by police in Minnesota on May 25.

“[We] will be leading a peaceful Vigil for George Floyd, who was murdered at the hands of police in Minneapolis Minnesota. The death of Brother Floyd is a continuation of murders of

African American men,” said NAACP President Allen Edson. “Now is the time to speak up about it.”

The groups plan to convene and caravan in vehicles through the streets of Pasadena, practicing physical distancing, to Pasadena City Hall where speakers from each group will discuss healing and action for change.

Floyd, who was African American, was killed on May 25 in Powderhorn, Minnesota during an encounter with police. Police placed a knee on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes during the arrest, despite pleas by the 46-year old father of two that he could not breathe.

During the encounter, a desperate and dying Floyd begged for his life.

“Don’t kill me,” and “Please, the knee in my neck,” “I can’t breathe.”

Bystanders pleaded to police, but they did not respond. At least one witness said the police were “enjoying that” during the incident.

His death has once again sparked long-held concerns about acts of violence and use of force by white police officers against African Americans.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, was arrested on Friday and has been charged with third degree murder and manslaughter.

So far, three additional officers present at the scene have not been arrested.

Since Floyd’s death, peaceful protests and unrest has broken out across the country and thousands of people have been arrested. On Monday, President Trump threatened to US the military to stop the protests.

So far there have been no violent protests in Pasadena. The city has been under curfew.

More than 1,000 people gathered at City Hall on Sunday.