A flyer shared on Facebook promoting the May 25 vigil.
DERBY — The Valley NAACP has scheduled a vigil on the Derby Green to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd, whose murder by Minnesota police triggered protests and calls for police reform across the U.S.
The vigil is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 on the Derby Green.
Last year the Valley NAACP had a hand in organizing peaceful community marches against police brutality and racism in Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton. In Ansonia and Shelton, the chiefs of both departments joined in the marches, as did a slew of public officials.
At a Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen meeting May 13, Shelton residents Gabriela Koc and Maya Spruill of the Valley NAACP asked for and received permission from the city government to hold the vigil, to which the public is invited.
“Essentially the NAACP branch of Ansonia wants to have some type of memorial service (for) George Floyd and the recent incidents that have happened,” Roc told the board. “We just really want to show our condolences and pay our respects for those who have been victims, and we would love the opportunity to use the Green in Derby. We want to show Derby some love.”
The organizers said the event will last about an hour and will include several speakers.
The local NAACP also views the event as a way to spread the word to the community about the organization and role it plays in the Valley.
“We’ll hand out informational flyers or palm cards to let people know how they can become a member and participate in NAACP activities,” Koc said.
Some of the speakers will be young people who live in the Valley, along with Greg Johnson, the longtime local NAACP leader.
Roc told the board between 50 and 100 people could show up, but said that number could be an overestimate.
The Aldermen/Alderwomen unanimously approved the request.
On April 20, 2021 Minnesota Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who leaned on Floyd’s neck with his knee while Floyd said he could not breath, was found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June. Charges have been filed against three other police officers. Their trials are scheduled to start next year.
