KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, May 25 will mark the one-year anniversary since the death of George Floyd, and local activists and groups are planning a memorial ceremony.
Floyd’s death occurred in late May 2020, when former police officer Derek Chauvin and three other officers attempted to arrest Floyd for allegedly trying to pass a fake bill.
Video footage showed that Chauvin had knelt down on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes, during which Floyd repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe.
The response resulted in protests and unrest across the nation, including demonstrations in Kalamazoo.
Last month, Chauvin was found guilty on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The penalty can result in up to forty years in prison for the second-degree count, and he will be sentenced next month.
The event planned for Tuesday, “Open Eyes Kalamazoo,” is a collaboration between local activists, the Metropolitan Kalamazoo NCAAP, and others, and is meant to honor Floyd and others who have died as a result of police violence.
According to the NCAAP, the event will begin at 5 p.m. in Bronson Park. A speech will occur at 5:45, followed by nine minutes of silence at six p.m.
Social distancing protocols will still be utilized.
Officials encourage those who can’t attend the event to still observe the nine minutes of silence.
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One of our sister stations, 1660 The Touch, will also observe the nine minutes of silence. The station will enter a silent period starting at six p.m.
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