LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On March 13th 2020, Breonna Taylor was shot dead in her home by police officers who broke down her door to serve a search warrant.
One year later, her death and her name Continue to drive change calls relating to policing, systemic racism, and a host of other issues affecting residents of Louisville, Kentucky, and countless other cities.
Events and rallies are planned in major US cities this weekend – too new York, Washington and Atlanta – in honor of the 26-year-old black woman.
President Joe Biden described Taylor’s death in a tweet on Saturday afternoon as a “tragedy” and a “blow to her family, community and America”.
“While we continue to mourn them, we must move forward to get a meaningful police reform passed in Congress.” he added in the tweet.
In Louisville, Hundreds gathered before 1pm on Saturday in Jefferson Square Park for the Justice for Breonna Taylor rally and march.
Taylor’s mother Tamika Palmer and other family members lead the rally
They are joined by speakers, community organizers, and family members of other Americans killed by police, including relatives of Sean Monterrosa, 22-year-old Latino-American who was fatally shot and killed by a police officer in Vallejo, California in June. Daughters of Danny Ray ThomasA black man who was shot dead by a deputy sheriff’s deputy in Houston in 2018 is also in attendance.
“This is about justice,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, CEO of the Louisville Urban League. “This is about our power to change this world for our children and for my daughter. This is how we make sure that no other person dies from the police.”
Investigations:Black women like Breonna Taylor die every day to the police. It’s time we said their names.
In detail:Are Louisville’s extensive police reforms enough to prevent another Breonna Taylor case?
Later on Saturday afternoon, the Breonna Taylor Foundation will sponsor a meal distribution program in the park, and a pop-up mall in honor of black businesses will commemorate Taylor.
The weekend events in honor of Taylor conclude with The People’s Empowerment Brunch on Sunday, which will be attended by numerous speakers.
Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, published one Explanation Saturday morning for the year-long anniversary of Taylor’s death.
“Today we remember Breonna Taylor, her tragic and unnecessary loss and the immense work we have before us,” said Beshear. “I will never understand the unimaginable grief of Tamika Palmer and other family and loved ones, but I am determined to listen to others and work with them to build a more just and fairer community for every Kentuckian.”
Also the FBI branch in Louisville to give an explanation On Saturday morning it said, “She is actively investigating all aspects of her death and will continue to work diligently until that investigation is completed.”
Jefferson Square Park, which hosted a series of protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor last summer, is expected to install a marker this spring, according to a press release from Mayor Greg Fischer’s office.
The front of the marker mentions the “Racial Justice Protests 2020” and displays the following message:
“Jefferson Square Park, built in 1978, commemorates first responders killed on duty. In 2020, it became a gathering place for those seeking justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman tragically killed by the Louisville Metro Police and served a search warrant. Protesters phoned Injustice Square Park and held demonstrations that are attracting worldwide attention. “
Vincent James, the city’s community building director, said the marker will “be a lasting reminder of the challenges we face as a city and nation, and the work we are doing to transform our city from tragedy to transformation.” to move.”
Next week the city said it would also “work with families to remove and store memorial items left in the park.”
