BEACHWOOD, Ohio — For weeks, demonstrators around the county have protested the killing of George Floyd, a black man from Minnesota that lost his life while in police custody, as well as many other racial injustices.
On Thursday, Beachwood High School senior Elizabeth Metz and community activist Fran Gordan will present the "Rally for Racial Justice." The demonstration will feature a 8-minute, 46 second moment of silence in recognition of the time Floyd was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer.
“During that time we hope safety forces in attendance will take a knee to send the message they hear us, see us, and acknowledge our pain,” said Elizabeth Metz.
Samira Rice, the mother of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was fatally shot by Cleveland police in 2014, is expected to attend and share a few words.
The event is scheduled to take place from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Beachwood Community Center.
Meanwhile, Euclid will be holding its own "Rally for Change" this afternoon at 5:30, beginning with a gathering at Triangle Park followed by a march to City Hall. Speakers will include Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, Police Chief Scott Meyer, local faith leaders, and residents of the community.
The Greater Cleveland area has seen several protests and demonstrations throughout the last two weeks. While there was rioting and looting more than a week ago in Cleveland, the vast majority of events have been peaceful.
