Demonstrations and protests were held in several Connecticut cities and towns on Friday to protest racial injustice after the death of George Floyd.
The demonstrations come a day after a memorial service for Floyd, a black man who died after a white officer in Minneapolis pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he pleaded for air and stopped moving.
NEW HAVEN
A large group gathered at the New Haven Green at 3 p.m. One organizer said they have actionable demands developed by youth who want to see change in their city.
Some of the things demonstrators called for include defunding or reducing funding for the police force in favor of education, and police accountability, including the prosecution of police officers who have shot, killed, or beaten anyone.
The crowd was diverse and led by young people who said it will be up to everyone working together to stop racism and police misconduct.
"I came here today because it's the right thing to do. I think as a non-black person, I have a role to play. I have privilege and I need to use that to amplify the voices of black people in America," New Haven resident Shirley Koesnadi said.
Yale New Haven Health employees gathered for a "White Coats for Black Lives" protest Friday.
BRIDGEPORT
A Black Live Matter demonstration was held at Mount Aery Baptist Church at 6 p.m.
COLCHESTER
A protest was held on the town green at 3 p.m.
Local
DEEP RIVER
A Black Lives Matter vigil for peace, equity and justice was held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Deep River Town Hall.
EAST HAVEN
A protest was held on the town green at River Street and Hemingway Avenue.
HARTFORD
A protest was held in Hartford at 10 a.m.
MYSTIC
NEW BRITAIN
A workshop and group discussions was scheduled Walnut Hill Park from noon to 3 p.m., followed by a march at 3 p.m.
POMFRET
A protest will begin at 5 p.m. on the town green.
PLAINVILLE
SIMSBURY
A Black Lives Matter protest will be held on Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WALLINGFORD
A silent protest was held at 4 p.m. between 4 South Main St. and 200 North Main St. Protesters are asked to stand on the sidewalk, six feet apart. Masks are required and protesters are asked to bring posters and to wear black.
WESTPORT
A protest was scheduled for 1:30 p.m at the bridge across from Parker Harding Plaza. Masks are required and protesters are asked to stand six feet apart.
WETHERSFIELD
A march for justice began at 4 p.m. Protesters marched from Cove Park down the Silas Deane Highway to the Wethersfield Police Station.
WILLIMANTIC
A rally was scheduled at Jilson Square Park on Main Street from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
WOLCOTT
A protest was scheduled for noon on the town green.
