Reflection on the death of George Floyd

Participants in a vigil at Glendale Park for murdered George Floyd in June 2020.(File photo by Jim Mahoney)

By GERLY ADRIEN

One year later, as we reflect on the murder of George Floyd, let us remember that he should be home with his family today.

We need to fight for real changes at every level of government.

We must hold our federal legislators accountable for passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This bill would ban choke holds, end qualified immunity, prohibit discriminatory profiling, stop no-knock warrants in federal drug cases, create a nationwide police misconduct registry, and would also limit the amount of military equipment given to local police. This bill would be a game-changer nationwide in the fight for racial equity in policing.

Locally, there’s a lot of work that we as a community, and legislators like myself can do.

We need allies to speak up with us, listen to us, and get to work with us.

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Local youth remember George Floyd, others during peaceful vigil

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An emotional, yet peaceful vigil Sunday honored many people who have died during conflicts with police including George Floyd. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

BY JIM MAHONEY & JOSH RESNEK

A small but stirring memorial for George Floyd, the unarmed black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis almost two weeks ago, was organized by younger people in the city’s Black community and held at Glendale Park Sunday from 6-8 p.m..

Protests against racism have riveted the nation since Floyd was killed and his killers jailed.

The protests have been worldwide, highlighting the scourge of racism and what it does to our society as well as to those who are the recipients of it.

A wide range of passionate, youthful speakers delivered eulogies for Floyd as well as speaking out about racial justice.

Crowd estimates ranged from 150-200, according to local police.

The crowd was largely black and Hispanic.

Everyone was wearing facemasks and socially distancing.

It was a racially mixed event with many young white people attending as well.

The speakers decried police brutality and racism.

Last week, the city government held a Zoom vigil for Floyd, with several public officials and a few religious leaders expressing their sentiments.

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Floyd death dominates as Covid-19 takes back seat

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A view of Ferry Street looking toward Boston. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

National protests continue as city leaders hold vigil

By JOSH RESNEK

The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a white police officer, whose partners did nothing to stop the officer now charged with his death, has set off a firestorm of riots, peaceful protests and looting across the nation’s great cities.

It has caused a lot of thinking to be done out loud by a variety of people in Everett.

Everett is a minority majority city. Thousands of residents have been transfixed by the chaos as broadcast on television with many residents said to be seen crying and wondering if anyone is going to do anything or in fact, what can be done or should be done.

Black and brown residents have been especially moved by Floyd’s murder and the ensuing protests.

Everett Police have been instructed by their watch commanders and the chief to exercise caution with those they come in contact with to prevent a Floyd type incident here.

Tuesday evening, an Internet vigil was held by the mayor and Councilor Gerly Adrien. Also participating were Bishop Robert Brown of the Zion Church, Police Chief Steven Mazzie, Dr. Omar Easy and Myrlanndie DesRosiers.

In addition, the event had the endorsement of the city council and the school committee with nearly all the members attending online.

The mayor has called the death of Floyd as ugly and cowardly.

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