Merced activists, police chief ‘take a knee’ at candlelight vigil for George Floyd
A diverse cross section of Merced residents came together Friday evening for a candlelight vigil to honor George Floyd.
The peaceful gathering, organized by the Merced NAACP branch, drew at least 200 people to the front of the Merced County Courthouse Museum.
Most Americans by now are familiar with the story of Floyd. He died May 25 in police custody after an officer pinned him the ground with a knee to the back of his neck.
The incident was captured on video. In its aftermath, there have been protests and demonstrations nationwide and globally.
Like many protesters nationwide, those at the Merced gathering generally called for government reforms to hold wrongful officers accountable for their actions, plus prevent incidents of excessive force from happening.
Furthermore, protesters want to dismantle institutional racism and white supremacy at all levels of American society.
Allen Brooks, NAACP branch president, said reaching those goals will take more than protests. Brooks encouraged those in attendance to become civically engaged and play an active role in the political process.
“To show up every day is what we need people to do. Show up at the City Council, show up at the NAACP meetings, show up at the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) meetings,” Brooks said.
“That’s actually how we’re going to change something. But until we get these politicians to change these policies, then everything will stay the same. And that is the goal, is to actually change policies.”
During a portion of Friday’s program, organizers asked those who were physically able to “take a knee” for eight minutes, 46 seconds — the duration of time the Minneapolis police officer had his knee on the back of Floyd’s neck.
Taking a knee is also significant because it’s the mode of peaceful protest 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick used during the national anthem to highlight the scourge of police brutality.
Tom Cavallero, Merced’s interim police chief, attended Friday’s program. He also took a knee and joined hands with another participant during that part of the event.
Felicya Zuniga of Merced, who was among those gathered Friday, said the protests aren’t just about George Floyd, alluding to the many black Americans who have been victims of police brutality and extrajudicial killings nationwide.
Zuniga mentioned she recently participated in a march in San Francisco that attracted over 20,000, saying the movement is growing.
“In my opinion I feel like we’re dealing with a world battle that’s bigger than just George Floyd,” Zuniga said. “Especially here in Merced it’s critical that we have as (many) people as possible to stand up in this community.”
The organizers say they also have more events planned, including a townhall meeting that’s being planned for Tuesday.
“Mercedians love their city. So we’re not here to tear down our city. We’re here to build it up,” Brooks said. “It’s not a black thing, it’s not a white thing, it’s a justice thing. Nobody likes lawlessness. And that’s what this is all about.”
This story was originally published June 6, 2020 at 12:33 AM.