Jackie Ford
Many people who live in retirement communities, such as Robson Ranch have difficulty remembering names. However, they tend to remember the names of sports figures, entertainers, politicians, etc. There are some other names that should never be forgotten, such as the names of people who have impacted our lives to make us change for the better.
On May 24, the eve of Memorial Day, members of Voices United and the African American Social Group gathered for the fifth annual Lighted Vigil in remembrance of people who impacted our lives hopefully to change for the better because of their tragic deaths by law enforcers. We gathered to say the name of George Floyd who was killed on May 25, 2020. We also spoke a few other names, such as Botham James, Renee Nicole Good, and Alex Pretti, who were among thousands who died during encounters with law enforcers.
During the vigil, we conducted a program where in remembrance of the victims and in support of their families and friends, we listened to overwhelming statistics, sang heartrending songs, and in silence, shined flashlights and phone lights for 9 minutes and 29 seconds to reflect the length during which George Floyd died as the world watched.
May we continue to remember such victims, as well as those who died to protect us and our country on future Memorial Days.