On July 25th, 2020, the Rockbridge NAACP held a peaceful vigil in remembrance of George Floyd and other victims of lethal police force.
Over a hundred community members braved the afternoon heat, spread out across the park, all wearing masks and observing social distancing. Those in attendance marked eight minutes and forty six seconds– the elapsed time for George Floyd’s life to be taken. Attendees also heard from several speakers who shared testimony of police brutality and institutional racism. Speakers included Lexington City Council Member and Vice Mayor Marylin Alexander, Reverend Reginald Early, Reverend McKinley Williams, 6th District Congressional Candidate Nick Betts, Terri Bsullak, Marquita Dunn and Tinni Sen.
Mallory Douglas and EJ Charlton (pictured above) gave personal testimonies about their own experiences growing up black here in Lexington.
The Rockbridge NAACP wishes to thank the speakers as well as all who attended the vigil. Some photos of the event appear below.
Reverend McKinley Williams of First Baptist Church
Rockbridge NAACP’s Terri Bsullak introducing speakers
Lexington City Council Member and Vice Mayor, Marylin Alexander
Terri Bsullak, Marquita Dunn and 6th District Democratic Congressional Candidate Nick Betts
Marquita Dunn
Mallory Douglas
Tinni Sen
Rockbridge NAACP President, Reginald Early
photos courtesy of John Driscoll
Thank you organizers and all who attended.