Valley Vigil For George Floyd Observes 2nd Anniversary Of His Death

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — San Fernando Valley organizers on Wednesday commemorated the two-year anniversary of the police murder of George Floyd with a candlelight vigil.

Floyd was killed by police on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis when former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, according to The New York Times. Chauvin was convicted of three charges in the death, including unintentional second-degree murder and third-degree murder.

Floyd's murder prompted sustained protests across the country that continued Wednesday.

A group of people stood outside the Sherman Oaks Galleria from 1 p.m. into the night to honor Floyd and call for an end to police brutality. The group held signs that read "End police brutality," "Black Lives Matter" and "harmony for all" as passersby honked in support.

The centerpiece of the vigil was a painting of Floyd by local artist Lori Stanford. Organizers also set up a table with candles and photos of Floyd. Videos on social media showed the group kneeling for nine minutes and 29 seconds, representing the time Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck.

The event was organized by Valley of Change, a local nonprofit that aims to "liberate Black people from systems of oppression and brutality" with community outreach and programming, according to the organization's website.

“It's about uniting and building that solidarity and taking care of each other,” said Latora Green, Valley of Change's executive director and co-founder.

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Green has stood outside the Galleria every day since May 31, 2020, to raise awareness and encourage unity within her community.

"I think awareness is key. We can't protest for a week or two straight and then stop it because that’s the norm. That’s what they want us to do. Just to be consistent, I think, that’s a big deal, and that’s how we build community," Green said.

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The Valley community saw the necessity for consistent demonstration, Green said.

"The community wants us out here. Even if people don't live in the Valley, they’re coming. They know this is needed. They know this awareness is needed," Green said.

Green encouraged people to make active positive changes in their community.

"Continue to show up and show out and hold every single person accountable. Build up the community the best that you can in a positive way — in a positive way," Green said.