George Floyd Rally at GWC
Date of the Event: June 2nd, 2020
What's the Gist?
The death of George Floyd was just a small piece of injustice that the African American community faces, this rally was to show how important it is to support and value one another, regardless of skin tone, gender, or sex. We should not judge others based on the things they cannot control but rather the things they can; our world needs to change, we need to unify and connect with each other regardless of any differences.
Pastor Johnathan Barker is giving a speech at the Virgil.
The mayor of Kenosha (John Antaramian) speaks at the Virgil.
What are the details?
“When George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis like so many are, our hearts broke for his family and for that community,” -Pastor Barker
This shows how the GWC volunteers felt about the event.
Many people who come to the Grace Welcome Center for their services are people of color which caused an even greater impact on how the Grace Welcome Center volunteers hurt from what happened to George Floyd.
- Many of the people who seek help from the Grace Welcome Center are part of this community and that it made their hearts hurt even worse.
The Mayor, John Antaramian asked if they would be holding an event and said he would speak at the event if they did. They wanted to bring harmony and reconcile Kenosha. They agreed and held the event, (this happened before the Jacob Blake killing).
The mayor was involved in the event and they worked together to unite and rebuild Kenosha even though it didn't last long because later that summer there was the Jacob Blake killing.
Pastor Barker gives a speech during the vigil, he said that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met, and the White society is more worried about tranquility than justice equality, and humanity. “Not only seeking peace but seeking justice,” -Pastor Barker
Pastor Barker cares about the situation so he decides to speak about the matter.
They were not only looking to create peace but they wanted to bring justice for the African American community who was experiencing this discrimination from law enforcement.
The people that are participating in the Vigil are holding signs praying for justice, the signs include “The only true peace is JUSTICE” and “ No Justice No Peace”
The whole community of Kenosha wants justice for George Floyd, everyone agrees that this is a thing that should not have happened.
This occurred the summer before the shooting of Jacob Blake and they spent time trying to rebuild the community of Kenosha but one community hurting another just destroyed our united community.
Kenosha should be a place where people of all colors can unite together and grow as people and not be differentiated by skin. Your skin does not define your actions, your actions do not define your skin. The only thing that defines you is how you act and treat others.
Who was involved? How were they were involved?
The Rev. Jonathan Barker, of Grace Lutheran Church, speaks during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Kara Baylor speaks during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Erik Carlson, of Bradford UU Community Church, addresses the crowd during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Patrick Roberts, of First Baptist Church, during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
Angela Cunningham speaks during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
Mayor John Antaramian speaks during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Jonathan Barker, of Grace Lutheran leads in prayer during a vigil hosted by CUSH at Grace Lutheran Church.
Why is this event/moment important to the Uptown Community and greater Kenosha?
This moment is very important to the Uptown community and Kenosha as a whole because it brings attention and representation to the injustices and discrimination to the African American community. It shows how people are responding to the discrimination and blatant racism through speaking up and standing out.
Sources:
WATCH NOW_ 'It's time to change'_ Community gathers for peaceful vigil for George Floyd _ Local News _ kenoshanews.com.pdf"It's time to change': Community gathers for peaceful
vigil for George Floyd"
(Kenosha News June 2nd 2020)
IN PHOTOS_ A Kenosha vigil in memory of George Floyd, a call for change _ Local News _ kenoshanews.com.pdf"A Kenosha vigil in memory of George Floyd, a call for
change"
(Kenosha News June 2nd 2020)
Pastor Barker Account.mp4Video of Pastor Johnathan Barker discussing the event
Author of Web Page
Hugo Rodriguez a 7th Grader and Lilianna Johnson an 8th Grader at Harborside Academy (May 2022)