Resources, events mark one year anniversary of Mr. Floyd’s murder

PHILADELPHIA – Tuesday, May 25, 2021 marks one year since George Floyd was murdered by former police officer Derek Chauvin. The City and community partners will honor Mr. Floyd’s legacy with a series of memorial activities to pay tribute to Mr. Floyd and all victims of police violence.

“George Floyd should be alive with his family today and it’s incumbent on all of us to keep his memory alive,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “His death represented the countless Black Americans tragically killed by police, and it catalyzed a long overdue reckoning about systemic racism in this country. This week, I urge all Philadelphians to reflect on the tremendous legacy he leaves behind and on how we can continue to work together to enact police reform and dismantle institutional racism.”

Multi-Faith Prayer Vigil: On Tuesday, May 25 at 12:30 p.m., Rev. Naomi Washington Leapheart, Director of Faith Based and Interfaith Affairs, will host a virtual multi-faith interfaith prayer vigil with other faith leaders via Zoom, which will stream on the Office of Public Engagement’s Facebook page.
“Then at 9:25 p.m., the official time of George Floyd’s passing, please join a citywide prayer for healing, peace, and strength to continue deep and lasting reform in whatever manner aligns with your faith,” said Rev. Naomi Washington Leapheart.

Boathouse Row and Buildings Illuminated: A dozen local buildings (listed below) will illuminate the city gold in memory of George Floyd and all victims of police violence on Tuesday, May 25.

  • Boathouse Row
  • One Liberty Place
  • Two Liberty Place
  • Subaru of America
  • FMC Tower at Cira Centre South, Cira Centre and Cira South Garage
  • 1900 Market Street
  • 1901 Market Street (Independence Blue Cross)
  • PECO Crown Lights
  • Philadelphia International Airport
  • Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)
  • Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers)

DBHIDS Special Project Airs Tonight on WHYY: “We Breathe, We Live: Brotherly Love Protest Stories” presents the first-person experiences of seven men of color from a variety of backgrounds who participated in the George Floyd-inspired Black Lives Matters protests during the summer of 2020 in Philadelphia. The powerful, emotional stories—woven together with conversations about race, trauma, and healing—will air at 9 p.m. tonight on WHYY.

The film was produced in collaboration with the DBHIDS Engaging Males of Color initiative and First Person Arts. Watch for an extended preview of the hour-long program. Tune in tonight to WHYY or click here to watch live at 9 p.m.

#PhillyiPledge: The public is urged to  use #PhillyiPledge on social media to commit to actions—big or small—they can take to support Black and brown communities and combat systemic racism.

Care as First Response: A Toolkit for Creating Safe Spaces: The City created a toolkit highlighting safe ways that individuals and organizations can offer ways for people to talk about racism, racial identity, equity, justice, and the way these forces shape our society.

Community Healing Circles: Last month, the City created safe spaces for people to talk, vent, and process their emotions in communion with other residents by hosting virtual Community Healing Circles on Zoom. These Community Healing Circles are intended to help residents share their feelings and find community and support from neighbors. The next session is on Thursday, May 27 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join a Community Healing session. While the City is providing Healing Spaces to the Community, we also recognize that others are holding healing spaces and conversations. Best practices for hosting a healing space are available online here.

Mental Health Resources: Remember that if you are in crisis, we strongly urge you to call the Philadelphia Crisis Line at 215-685-6440. This hotline operates 24/7 and has behavioral health specialists ready to respond to those in need of immediate help. Additional resources are available:

  • Black Men Heal provides mental health and community resources for Men of Color.
  • MindPHL provides free mental health resources and programs from the City of Philadelphia in collaboration with Independence Blue Cross.
  • Healthy Minds Philly has a guide to Addressing Trauma and Violence (PDF) which provides information about community support in the face of trauma.
  • Boost Your Mood is a resource guide from Healthy Minds Philly that has wellness and mental health tips for everyone.

Protest Guidance: All of us have the right to express our beliefs. We have the right to gather, march, and protest peacefully and safely. Great progress has been made when we unite in a common cause for the greatest good, and peaceful protest is the American way.

Update from the Pathways to Reform, Transformation, and Reconciliation Steering Committee: June 4 marks one year since Mayor Kenney established the Pathways to Reform, Transformation and Reconciliation Steering Committee to both acknowledge the pain and outrage of communities of color and to commit to making real systemic changes that build a more equitable city for all Philadelphians. The City and Committee Members will provide an update on the progress of this committee next week.

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