The Justice for George Floyd Protest and March will take place in Bridgehampton on Tuesday, June 2 at 5 p.m.
“We are moved to action after the vicious and callous murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters all over the country who demand an end to racist policing,” the Justice for George Floyd Protest and March Facebook page states.
Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25. Video of Floyd’s death has caused outrage across the nation, leading to protests and riots. One of the officers involved in Floyd’s arrest has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. He, along with three other officers, has been fired.
The Bridgehampton protest and march is being organized by Lisa Votino, Lisa Gagliardo, and Willie Jenkins. “We call on all appropriate agencies to arrest the other three officers who watched former officer Derek Chauvin kneel on Mr. Floyd’s neck and ignored his cries for help. We also remember two other recent victims of deadly racism Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and the sadly all too long list of other victims,” the Facebook page continues.
Participants should meet at the Bridgehampton Community House (2368 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton).
“Please wear masks and social distance as possible. Bring signs,” event organizers noted on Facebook.
The protest and march will march from Bridgehampton Community House to the monument. “We will either do this once or twice depending on how many of us there are,” the Facebook page states.
“During the final part of the march, for those who are able, we will lay in the road on our stomachs with our hands behind our backs and repeat I can’t breathe for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time George Floyd had a knee crushing his neck,” event organizers relayed on Facebook.
“We know this is a difficult time and realize some would like to participate, but are at a higher risk for coronavirus….don’t worry, we got you! Please park your car on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton between the community house and the monument in either direction and put your sign outside your car facing the road. We would also ask marchers to do the same!” the Facebook page post adds.
Protests have also been held in Riverhead, Port Jefferson and Shirley recently.
“Black Lives Matter!” event organizers concluded.
For more information about Justice for George Floyd Protest and March, visit www.facebook.com.