A funeral procession for George Floyd started in Windsor and ended with a rally at the State Capitol in Hartford.
An empty casket was placed at the State Capitol Wednesday, a solemn symbolic gesture to George Floyd.
Organized by the YWCA of Hartford, a funeral-like procession stretched from Windsor to Harford. Hundreds paid respects as the procession, complete with a hearse and casket, flowed from Windsor’s Hopewell Baptist Church to the State Capitol.
A hearse and casket were provided by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services in Bloomfield. The event was organized as a way of symbolically mourning Floyd and other victims of police violence.
“It’s George Floyd today but it represents every black man and woman who has died, senselessly and unjustly,” said Adrienne Cochran, CEO of YWCA, Hartford.
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A symbolic funeral procession was held in Hartford for George Floyd.
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In New Haven, there was a peaceful demonstration entitled #WeCantBreathe. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of City Hall. About 300 protesters were also at the New Haven Police Headquarters, where police were positioned in front of the main entrance.
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Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin kneels at a protest about the death of George Floyd.
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In Waterbury, a protest was put together by the Black Lives Matter Movement on Sunday.
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They said their goal is to bring awareness to police brutality and the impact on the African American community.
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This was in New Haven.
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Protesters in Hartford on Capitol Avenue Tuesday.
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Hartford Capitol Avenue protest with signs Tuesday (3)
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Protesters in Hartford, Conn. on June 1, 2020.
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Protesters in Hartford, Conn. on June 1, 2020.
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Protesters blocking traffic on I-84 near exit 49 in Hartford, Conn. on June 1, 2020.
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Connecticut State troopers seen standing arm in arm with protesters calling for justice for George Floyd in Hartford, Conn. on June 1, 2020.
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Protesters march outside the Bristol Police Department in Bristol, Conn.
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Protesters in Hartford, Conn. on June 1, 2020.
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Protesters gather at a rally in Norwich, Conn. on June 2, 2020.
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Protesters gathered across the street from the South Windsor Police Department on June 2, 2020.
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Protesters gathered outside town hall in West Hartford on June 2, 2020.
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Protesters gathered outside town hall in West Hartford on June 2, 2020.
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Protesters gathered in New Haven, Conn. on June 3, 2020.
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Protesters gathered in New Haven, Conn. on June 3, 2020.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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A symbolic funeral procession for George Floyd moved through Windsor and Hartford on Wednesday.
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Protesters along Route 44 in Avon on June 4, 2020.
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Protesters along Route 44 in Avon on June 4, 2020.
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A vigil in Bloomfield in honor of George Floyd on June 4, 2020.
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A vigil in Bloomfield in honor of George Floyd on June 4, 2020.
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Yale New Haven Health employees rally for Black Lives Matter on June 5, 2020.
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East Have police Lt. Joseph Murgo stands with organizers at a Black Lives Matter protest on June 5, 2020.
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Protesters gathered in Milford, Conn. on June 8, 2020.
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Protesters gather in Milford, Conn. on June 8, 2020.
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Protesters gather at Hartford City Hall calling to defund the police and invest in community programs in the city. June 10, 2020.
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Protesters gather at Hartford City Hall calling to defund the police and invest in community programs in the city. June 10, 2020.
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Protesters gather at Hartford City Hall calling to defund the police and invest in community programs in the city. June 10, 2020.
Cochran says the funeral idea was presented to her Saturday morning by the YWCA’s Director of Community Engagement, Melinda Johnson.
“We stand here because we have too many mothers. Too many
daughters. Too many sons. Too many friends. Too many lovers. Laying in boxes
dead,” said Johnson as she addressed the hundreds of people at the capitol
today.
Johnson delivered a powerful speech, calling for action,
describing racism as the original pandemic.
“Before we were gasping for air because our lungs
couldn’t inhale because of this virus, racism was choking us,” she said.
Vehicles, parked bumper to bumper, displayed signs of
grief and protest. Like all funerals, there were emotions.
“I am overwhelmed and sad, angry and worried,” said
Carter Johnson of Glastonbury.
Some attending want a significant message conveyed.
“All Americans are not white. They’re not all black. We’re all Americans and entitled to everything this country has to offer,” said Rev. Dr. Alvan Johnson of the Bethel AME Church in Bloomfield.
Those rights are ones this generation hopes the next will
not have to fight as hard to retain.
“I have grandchildren and I don’t want them to grow up
with this over their head,” said Sandra Mullings of Hartford.
Those attending Wednesday were received with solidarity as police and fire department chiefs from around the Hartford community all took a knee.
Gov. Ned Lamont was also watching, as there was a call to action.
“We need you to get your staff in order. To fight for our people. Enough is enough!, said Pastor AJ Johnson of Hartford’s Urban Hope Refuge Church.
Organizers from the YWCA are hopeful events like this will bring about further change.
“The only way that this means anything,” said Cochran, “is if we turn these
words into action.”
