National news outlets are saying that Minneapolis will once again be in the global spotlight, as the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis Police Department officer charged with killing George Floyd, begins on Monday, March 8. For many, the trial will bring back the trauma of last summer. For others, there will be concern for safety and security. Still others might simply be confused by events related to the trial as they unfold. As a community of Christ’s followers, we are encouraged to respond with prayer and reflection, and we are invited to take part in events in our community that promote justice and actions of faith during this time.
On March 8, a series of events will take place at George Floyd Square (38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis):
• A call to prayer will begin at 8:00 am. Bells will be rung for one minute; then 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence will honor George Floyd’s life; this will be followed by one additional minute of bell ringing. Nokomis Heights will join with other churches throughout Minneapolis in ringing bells at this time as a commemoration of this memorial.
• A mutual aid supplies drive will be held from 8:15 to 11:30 am for the community at George Floyd Square and those in need in the neighborhood. Supplies being collected include: diapers (size 3-6), unscented baby wipes, hand soap, laundry detergent, menstrual pads, and toilet paper.
• Following this drive, George Floyd Square will become a Black-only space through 2:00 pm. Under the theme “Black Kings United: Change Starts with Us,” participants in this time will pledge unity and community protection.
• An open mic event for youth to elders will follow at 2:00 pm. A candlelight vigil will begin at 5:45 pm, and will go until the event ends at 7:00 pm.
For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/PrayersForJusticeForGeorgeFloyd/
