Monday Night Vigil for George Floyd at SSES Gazebo
Emily McKeon, Abbie Winter, Julia Silverstein, Margot Feroleto and Gwyneth Feroleto — and other Easton residents — are joining with the many voices around the nation who want social change, following the horrific death of George Floyd.
Floyd, 46, was an African American man who died during a police arrest May 25 in Minneapolis. Protests in response to his brutal death, and to police violence against other black Americans, quickly spread across the United States and internationally, from large cities to small towns.
McKeon, a University of Delaware and Joel Barlow High School graduate, lives in Easton with her parents and works at the Fairfield University Art Museum. Last Sunday afternoon she made a large sign that reads “Black Lives Matter” and headed out to the corner of her street. She held up the sign to passing cars on Sport Hill Road and got quite a positive response in the way of honks and cheers.
When Winter saw her neighbor standing outside with her sign, she asked Emily if she could join her.
This Sunday, Julia Silverstein, Margot Feroleto, and Gwyneth Feroleto, also former Barlow students, joined McKeon in what they say is a small effort “to encourage others to do something of their own to speak out against racial injustice.”
EASTON VIGIL FOR GEORGE FLOYD
On a larger community scale, Easton residents Devon Wible, Tara Gottlieb and Sarah Lehberger have organized a vigil for Floyd on Monday, June 8, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Staples Elementary School Gazebo. Masks are required and social distancing will be implemented.
First Selectman David Bindelglass, Easton Police Chief Rich Doyle and state Rep. Anne Hughes will speak at the vigil. There will be a moment of silence followed by a prayer led by local Girl Scouts. The vigil will end with a song in which all can participate. Those in attendance may stay in their cars if they feel more comfortable.
