George Floyd Reflection Vigil
When: This Sunday, June 7 at 4 PM
Where: On the front steps of our meetinghouse
For whom: Westport Friends, area Friends and area Residents
Hello Friends,
As some Friends at our Meeting know, we were approached this past Monday, June 1, by a small group of concerned Westport residents (now identifying as Westport Community Response) hoping to hold a reflection and vigil that “reflects on systemic racism gripping our country, ending with a silent vigil for George Floyd and other lost lives for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, when people will be asked to self-reflect and/or silently pray.” We were approached, in part, because of our history as a faith community known for its work in peace and social justice areas. We were also asked because we have the land, open space, and visible location to co-host an out-of-doors event of this type.
Our Peace and Social Justice and Ministry and Counsel committee members, and Meeting elders, responded in agreement to help to make this happen, and to work together with less than a week’s time to bring a worthy vision to reality. Great care is being taken to make this reflection and vigil a dignified, appropriate and safe event. Social distancing and face coverings are required.
Please consider attending, and please pass the word to your friends and family. Meeting member/attenders should plan to arrive by 3:30 PM in order to park in the rear of Meeting property. Otherwise, parking is available on Main Road, at the Grange and at the Post Office around the corner. Please do not park in St. John’s lot.
Your help is needed:
> Parking cars before the vigil 3-4 PM
> 2 driveway “gate” attendants
> Clean-up: 5-5:30 PM
Please read our collaborative public statement, below:
George Floyd Reflection Vigil
This event is to reflect on systemic racism and how as individuals and a community, we can help raise awareness and contribute to improvements in society.
The event will be a brief but unifying 30 minutes including a scheduled welcoming, introduction, and speaker on the topic of systemic racism and how each of us can make a change for the better in ourselves and in our community. At the end of the presentation, there will be a silent vigil for George Floyd and other lost lives for 8 minutes and 46 seconds when people will be asked to self-reflect and/or silently pray.
The event will be outdoors, rain or shine at the Westport Friends Meeting House with social distancing and masks/face coverings required. No signs, political protesting, anti-police chanting, or unscheduled speakers will be allowed. Parking will be limited and please do not park across the street at the St. John’s church parking lot at their request.
Please message us with any questions prior to what we hope will be a peaceful, informative, reflective, and healing event.
Thank you,
Westport Community Response, and Westport Friends Meeting