The death of George Floyd has sparked protests across the country from heartbroken communities who have decided enough is enough.
Over the weekend, African Americans and their allies joined together, marching in the streets to condemn racism and police brutality. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”
While there are countless stories about the riots, not enough highlight the peaceful protests that brought people together. That’s why we’re sharing 11 powerful moments of love and unity that took place amid the protests.
1. In Temecula, California, a protester and a sheriff shared a touching embrace.
Twitter
2. There, protesters also held a moment of silence to honor George Floyd.
A beautiful moment of silence for #GeorgeFloyd at the peaceful protests in Temecula. #JusticeForGeorgeFlyod #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/tY5xI8IKB0
– Kowabunga Kiersten (@KierstenMyers01) May 30, 2020
3. In Newark, New Jersey, protesters danced together in the streets, spreading joy along with their message…
Put this on the news. pic.twitter.com/YfXB2x6bcz
– Frosty (@FrostyTheSkid) May 30, 2020
4. … as did the people of Morristown.
Morristown NJ pic.twitter.com/JIBcUfSbIh
– itsReanna (@esa_chingona_) May 31, 2020
5. Voices rang out among protesters in Canton, Ohio, in a moving rendition of “Lean on Me.”
Peaceful protests in Canton, Ohio breaks into song. What a beautiful thing this is to see. #unity pic.twitter.com/9T8KUmHl8a
— 𝕁𝕒𝕜𝕖🗯 (@Jake_Friel) May 30, 2020
6. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson removed his gear, gave a tearjerking speech, and joined protesters in a peaceful march in Flint, Michigan.
Amazing scene unfolding in Flint, Twp, Michigan. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has joined protesters in a peaceful march. Read More: https://t.co/4ioyUnymNv @MichStatePolice @GovWhitmer pic.twitter.com/nMCVuXQ0TZ
— Mid-Michigan NOW (@midmichigannow) May 31, 2020
7. Protesters in Charlotte, North Carolina, knelt for nine minutes in remembrance of George Floyd.
The Amazing Protestors in Charlotte NC kneeling for 9 minutes in remembrance of #GeorgeFloyd #clt #WeCantBreathe #PeacefulProtests #thecreativegent #storyteller pic.twitter.com/weqlPVMk88
— Josh aka Creative Gent (@cre8tivegent) June 1, 2020
8. Musicians joined forces with protesters in downtown San Diego, turning a chant into a song.
The protesting they won’t share on the news. #BlacklivesMater #PeacefulProtests #downtownsandiego
Video Credit: Juan Gonzalez Jr. pic.twitter.com/aENe1KopM5— Bryanna Lynn (@BryannaHastings) May 31, 2020
9. Others knelt during a vigil for George Floyd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Twitter
10. The streets of Santa Monica were silent for a few moments, but the message came through loud and clear.
Proud of you Los Angeles. This is from a protest in Santa Monica. This is the way. #GeorgeFloydProtests #ICantBreathe pic.twitter.com/hCTQPwkSlY
— ERIC BALFOUR (@ERICBALFOUR) May 31, 2020
11. Finally, this protest turned into a loving celebration.
this is what needs to be shown on the news we need more positive things to look at not just focus on the negative but the positive sides too during these dark times🖤 #PeacefulProtests #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/RzSuT43NFA
— kehlani (@kehlaniiiiiii) June 1, 2020
We hear you, we love you, and we stand behind you. Thank you for making your voices heard.
Share in support of all the brave people out there fighting against racial injustice.
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