Five days before Election Day, the families of victims killed in cases of high-profile police violence gather for an election rally. The families of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Alvin Cole and Jacob Blake will join forces on Thursday to inspire citizens. to vote how their lives depend.
The main objective of the occasion “is to join a network in action”, according to a press release delivering the rally. Taylor, Floyd and Cole were killed by police before this year. Blake the only one who survived his interaction.
Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, suggested the collectors move to the polls. “We’ll have to stay in combination and fight in combination. We cried, we protested, we went to court. Replace we need, approve and vote. It’s more than a right, it’s our duty, ” said Palmer.
Taylor’s aunt Stephanie Baskin said she sympathizes with other families who share the same pain they feel. “They have that legislation designed to keep their knees around our necks,” Baskin said Thursday. “We urge you all to use your voices at the ballot box. . . Thank you for your prayers. “
Members of Floyd’s family circle suggested the electorate “vote as if their lives depended on it,” and Alvin Cole’s sister, Taleavia, said Americans let their feelings take them to the polls. “That’s precisely why we have to vote because your vote counts. Don’t let anyone say no, ” he said.
Organizers also invited Marcellis Stinnette’s family circle, who shot himself through an officer last week in Waukegan, Illinois. The teenager’s father, Selvin Holmes, encouraged citizens to vote for a poignant tribute to their son. “My son Marcellus had no hatred, in his heart, ” said Holmes to the audience. “I wanted to help the young black men in our community. We raised a smart son. He will replace the world, and even when he died, you can obviously see what he’s doing right now. “
The occasion included speeches through reps Bobthrough Rush and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and speeches by artists Will. I. Am and Jennifer Hudson.
“My son’s shooting is a tragedy in a long series of violent acts against my circle of relatives and our people,” Blake’s father Jacob S said. Blake Sr. , on a Monday. ” We’re not going to let that stop us. We will continue to push past the election to hold our leaders accountable for ending police violence and selling fitness, education and employment services. We have to start by voting. “