KALAMAZOO, MI – For nine minutes and 29 seconds Bronson Park was nearly silent with only the sound of cars driving by to disrupt it.
About 250 people gathered in downtown Kalamazoo on Tuesday, May 25, on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death.
They held 181 yellow crosses to remember the 181 Black people killed by police since Floyd’s death.
Floyd was killed after now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds on May 25, 2020. A jury found Chauvin guilty last month of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
People in Kalamazoo stood silent and one woman laid on the ground for those nine minutes and 29 seconds. During that time co-organizer Quinton Bryant said he thought about what Floyd went through and what his family experienced.
“I think it was very impactful,” Bryant said of the event. “The 181 crosses were an important part of this event to remember those 181 lives that were lost while remembering George Floyd at the same time.”
Activist TC Custard said, “I think just one person showing up is enough because it’s the start of something. Hopefully it’s the start of hope.”
Tesha Banks attended with her son, Braxten Wallace, 9. She wanted to show him the importance of the memorial and the importance of stopping racism.
“We’re just here to honor George Floyd,” Braxten said. “To me it’s sad how many lost their lives.”
The memorial was organized with local activists, the city of Kalamazoo, the Metropolitan Kalamazoo NAACP and other groups.
First United Baptist Pastor Lenzy E. Bell led a prayer before the nine minutes of silence.
“Thank you for the organizers of this event and that we will not gather in vain but accomplish great things today and tomorrow,” Bell said.
State Sen. Sean McCann, State Rep. Julie Rogers and Mayor David Anderson were among the officials who attended the event.
The memorial was not enough, activist Eric Burton said. He said there was no accountability, and it prevented the possibility of an event that could have had a bigger impact on the community.
“This was almost a slap in the face with how mellow it was,” Burton said. “This was definitely not enough. It could be a start but by the standards that Kalamazoo has set for itself, I don’t have much luck that it will be a start.”
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