The one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder led to observances nationally and locally, including a Triad virtual gathering Tuesday that focused on healing.
It was a striking difference in tone compared to many of the angry protests that raged across the area last year. The Facebook live stream organized by the Triad Abolition Project and the Drum Majors Alliance featured guided meditation, poetry, and music.
In an opening statement, Allencia Hinnant says Floyd's death created a wave of secondary trauma in the community, and that the virtual gathering offered a safe place to grieve.
“We are holding a secure space for all of the stages of our grief. We were all struck down by our brother's passing,” she says. “That's why for many of us this past verdict wasn't justice, because George Floyd should still be here.”
Floyd died a year ago Tuesday while being restrained with a knee to his neck. The officer that pinned him down, Derek Chauvin, was convicted of murder in Floyd's death in April.