Some neighbors are lighting candles at 8:30 each night. Some are marching this weekend. And we’re all invited to join them.
The candlelight vigils may have started locally this week with middle schoolers in Chevy Chase DC. Just a few kids and their families, the email we received said, “Putting out candles to show, in some small way, that this is not who we are and that this needs to change. And, most importantly to remember and honor George Floyd and so many others killed and brutalized by this 400-year-old sickness.”
Residents of the Broadmoor (at 3601 Connecticut) are also heading outside with their candles at 8:30 p.m. nightly. They are spreading out along Connecticut Avenue, and they are inviting people up and down the avenue to join them. “Racism is a Pandemic,” the notice said.
If you’re interested in joining a protest downtown, the UDC Student Bar Association and UDC Black Law Students Association are inviting neighbors to march with them to the White House this Saturday, June 6th.
They’re meeting at 1 p.m. at the southwest corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street NW. Come prepared with your masks and water – the weather forecast is a hot one. Note also that this is a UDC Law-sponsored event – they’re expecting a friendly crowd, but not a large one.
Here’s their letter to UDC Law alumni and neighbors:
The SBA would like to invite and encourage you to march with us this Saturday, June 6, 2020, from 1-5 pm.
We will meet near the United States Capitol (SW corner of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW & 3rd Street, SW) at 1 pm. From there, we will walk to the White House. We will hear speeches from UDC Law Dean Renée Hutchins, Alumna Amber Ivey, ’17 and others. We will create awareness about the ongoing injustices surrounding our city and our nation. We wish for this protest to be an educational moment. We will provide “Know Your Rights” handouts to the crowd, as well as other important information about police reform and other actions that must take place for social justice to become a reality in our city and in our nation. Help ensure the collective power of our voices is heard by joining us!
This march will be a peaceful protest. As law students and members of the legal academic arena, we will carry ourselves with poise and elegance from start to finish. In this moment, we represent something bigger than our individual selves. Let us honor the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters, by channeling our justified rage into a united and solemn model of nonviolent organizing.
Because our nation is still in the middle of a pandemic, we urge all participants to take caution and stay informed about the current guidance regarding going out in public spaces. Please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus for up to date information on how you can stay safe. At minimum, we ask that you please wear a mask at all times while you are with us.
We hope to see all of you on Saturday, and encourage you to show your UDC Pride by wearing UDC paraphernalia to the march. If you would like to know how you can assist or for any general questions, please contact SBA@udc.edu.
Marjorie Rachlin says
Where do we put the candles — outside on the porch or ??
FHC says
The candles idea seems to be open to whatever works best for you. Bring a candle out to your street and stand a moment. Leave it on your porch for a spell. Whatever seems right.