CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of people gathered Saturday at the Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church in Charlotte to honor and remember the life of George Floyd, four years after his murder.
The event featured music, art areas, entertainers, and multiple featured speakers. One speaker was Selwyn Jones, Fwho is Floyd's uncle and the co-founder of nonprofit Hope929.
“This is about community. For three days the world came together in unity so we could get a resolve with my nephew’s death,” Jones said. “We use the word community to gather people together, to create a better community, to create a better world."
Hope929 focuses on promoting civil rights and creating change in honor of George Floyd. Leaders say events like these provide the perfect opportunity to educate neighbors about what’s happening in the world today.
“Four years ago, the world witnessed George Floyd being killed in the street and it was unfortunate; but the world came together chanting ‘I can’t breathe.’," said Hope929 co-founder Elizabeth Darden. "Those three words emphasized not just the physical importance, but also the social, financial stigmas for those who are oppressed."
Darden said now, Hope929 wants to “come together and talk about these issues.”
Event organizers say they hope people walk away from these events feeling supported.
“We are more focused on community and making a better community. How do we address these issues before they happen? How do we plan to come together to prevent them from happening?” Ralph Williamson, the Pastor of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church said.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.