Hundreds of people took to Capital One Bank Plaza in Patchogue Monday to peacefully protest the killing of George Floyd and show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Last month, Floyd, 46, was killed in police custody in Minneapolis sparking nationwide protests against police brutality.
The protests made their way to Long Island, where on June 1 at 1 p.m. a peaceful protest was held alongside the busy street, where anyone within earshot head these slogans on refrain:
Black Lives Matter. No Justice, No Peace. Hands Up, Don’t Shoot.
Enough is Enough.
The crowd also chanted the names of the black men and women who have been killed by law enforcement in recent years, while drivers honked in support.
These names included Breonna Taylor, 26, who was killed by police in her own home in March.
Kavohn Darrell, a protestor and member of Groove Phi Groove S.F.I — which was founded during the Civil Rights Movement — said he felt like it was his “job” to be here to support his organization, as well as stand up against police brutality.
“I think it’s my job to be here to support them and my organization,” Darrell said. “What happened to George Floyd in Minnesota was really wrong and I really want to see reform and change not throughout just their police department, but throughout police departments across the country.”
Irene Georgatos, another protestor, said she came out the peaceful protest in support of the black community.
“I’m tired of seeing black people mistreated everyday and fearing for their lives while walking down the street,” Georgatos said. “It’s tiring. It’s 2020.
“It’s time for a change.”
Scroll to see some pictures from today’s protest by Ana Borruto.
