Chelmsford Black Lives Matter Vigil Friday

CHELMSFORD, MA — A student-led vigil on the Chelmsford Town Common in support of the Black Lives Matter movement is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday.

The vigil comes in the wake of the death of George Floyd last week after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes. The death of Floyd sparked protests and rallies across the country, including several rallies across Boston that have brought out as many as 20,000 people.

Organizer Emma Walsh said they've planned an 8 minute, 46 second kneel in Floyd's memory with student speeches and performances to follow.

Organizers are asking everyone wear masks, keep a safe distance from one another and not park on the road or walk into the road during the protest. They are also encouraging participants to bring signs without sticks or posts to show support, and noted that police will be present for safety reasons.

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