Updated: UDC is inviting us to a June 27 candlelight vigil for Black lives lost to police violence and white supremacy

UDC tells us that the program has expanded, so it’s now starting at 8:10 p.m. Saturday night instead of 8:30. The full schedule is below.

Every night since Juneteenth, UDC President Ronald Mason, student and faculty leaders and members of the Board of Trustees have gathered at Dennard Plaza. The university lights dim at 8:46 p.m. And they kneel – for 8 minutes, 46 seconds.

UDC President Ronald Mason at the June 19th vigil. (UDC photo)

They are doing this for George Floyd.

(UDC also released this George Floyd tribute video, narrated by Mason, on Juneteenth.)

Tonight is the eighth night of their vigil. On the ninth and final night – Saturday, June 27th, the community is invited to join them for a candlelight ceremony for all of the Black lives lost over the years to police brutality and white supremacy. The program will begin at 8:10 p.m. with a musical selection and remarks from speakers, an 8:30 p.m. video presentation featuring Mason, and at 8:46 p.m., a silent tribute and candlelight vigil.

Here are the details from UDC:

A candlelight vigil concludes a nine-day tribute honoring the many Black lives lost to white supremacy in the ongoing struggle for equality.

UDC president Ronald Mason, Jr. will “take a knee” and the university’s lights will dim for 8 minutes and 46 seconds beginning at 8:46 p.m. Members of UDC’s Board of Trustees, student leaders and community residents will also be in attendance.

The dimmed lights and illuminated candles will honor the 8 minutes and 46 seconds that a former Minneapolis police officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck. Nigerian-born operatic soprano Abiodun (Abby) Koya will provide a musical tribute.

All are invited to attend the candlelight vigil on Saturday, June 27, program starts promptly at 8:10 p.m. Social distancing and the wearing of face masks are required.

To help change what Mason calls a system of oppression, UDC has established the Institute for the Study and Elimination of White Supremacy in America. The hope is that this institute will help build a better, more equitable nation.