Political leaders and spiritual guidance affirmed Big Floyd’s homecoming; close friends and families gathered to find comfort in one another as George Floyd lay to rest. In the streets, diverse groups stood in reflection of the murders that happened similar to the injustice on May 25. The world stood for eight minutes and forty-six seconds in honor of George Floyd.
Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti announced he has responded to Obama’s call for action and signed the Mayor’s Pledge. The mayor updated the community with the current status of safety measures that will take affect immediately. The mayor was joined by Eileen Decker, President of the Los Angeles Police Commission. She spoke of the review and revision in the police department.
Davion Pilgrim, a 16-year old student from Morning Side High school shared his story of recently being racially profiled and accused of gang affiliation by the police. He is an athlete and president of the youth department at Greater Zion Church in Compton. Pilgrim promoted Conversations of understanding are needed.
The small businesses in L.A. are suffering the most, the damage from the looting and destruction impacts employees who were looking to start re-building a life with a consistent paycheck. They were counting on conditions improving, only to be met with property damage and uncertainty. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has been conducting safety assessments to property owners who request one at no cost.
Garcetti explained that the small percentage of people who are causing destruction, are hi-jacking a moment and movement and re-directing the focus away from the cause. Tactics and strategies are geared to maintain order, further measures have been taken to gain control over the violence happening across the city.
Saturday, May 30, thousands came together in protest, closing the L.A. streets from Fairfax all the way through 3rd street, as the aftermath from the current murder of George Floyd by police hand in Minneapolis. Garcetti reiterated what he said yesterday, acknowledging the injustice of police brutality within the Black Community and pleaded with all residents to keep a level head while fighting for peace.