Bluffton event calls community to gather ‘in solidarity’ for George Floyd tribute
The Town of Bluffton is hosting a community tribute to George Floyd on Tuesday morning with nine minutes of silence to “come together in solidarity,” a Bluffton news release says.
The event honors Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died on May 25 in police custody after a white Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. His death has sparked activism, rallies and protests across the globe.
Bluffton’s gathering begins at 9 a.m. in Oscar Frazier Park Field of Dreams. No formal program is scheduled, but a P.A. system will be available to those “moved to speak,” and all attendees are encouraged to wear a face mask.
Rallies and protests have been held all over Beaufort County since Floyd’s death. Some residents stood on Boundary Street in Beaufort multiple days last week. People have marched in Bluffton. More than 1,000 gathered Sunday on Hilton Head Island, and a peaceful protest was organized in Yemassee on Monday.
Town of Bluffton officials, including the mayor, police chief, town manager, and town council, released a joint statement five days after Floyd’s death saying, “We recognize the reality that an incident of this magnitude can tear at the fabric of community relations which officers work to build every day ... Please be assured the leaders of the Town of Bluffton and the Bluffton Police Department remain committed to serving and protecting all residents with impartiality, integrity, and respect for human dignity.”
