PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 9, 2020) – Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) faculty, staff, students, and members of the community attended a silent vigil Tuesday morning on the field of Panther Stadium to honor the legacy of George Floyd. On May 25, Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died tragically after an encounter with members of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) turned fatal. Since then, protests have erupted in nearly every major metropolitan area in the United States and across the globe. Protesters are calling for urgency in the fight for equality for black Americans – who have endured the devastating effects of racism for more than 400 years.
Group attends PVAMU’s silent vigil Tuesday morning.
“We gather today to acknowledge that we are awake to injustices that suppress freedom and end God’s gift of life; that we are engaged in the struggle to right egregious wrongs, no matter how long they have endured or how deep their roots; that we are committed to improving the human condition; that we are willing to sacrifice our own comfort and personal gain to protect the wellbeing of others; that we believe in truth and justice; and that we will be steadfast in the fight for human dignity,” said PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons.
President Simmons speaks at the vigil.
The mayor of the City of Prairie View, David Allen, said Floyd’s death would not be in vain, as it has already begun to influence change.
“This time, due to what those officers did, real change is not coming; it’s finally here,” he said.
Prairie View Mayor David Allen speaks to attendees.
According to recent news posts, new reforms that have resulted directly or partially from the protests include defunding some police departments, taking police out of certain school districts, disempowering police unions, and prosecuting police. The police officers who took part in the killing of Floyd are facing prosecution, including MPD Officer Derek Chauvin, who was recorded kneeling on Floyd’s neck, leaving him unable to breathe for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Attendees observe eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence.
During PVAMU’s vigil, attendees were asked to bow their heads for the same amount of time.
“As we leave this place, let us leave in harmony for peace, justice, and love that all may be able to breathe,” said Dean Charles H. Lewter IV said after the moments of silence.
In light of the recent events and protests happening nationwide, PVAMU closed its campus on June 8 for “A Day of Reflection.”
Attendees observe eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence.
“I do not expect one day of reflection or a vigil to solve the persistent ill of disparate and unjust treatment in our country. To achieve such a result will take a more significant investment of time, treasure, and determination,” said Simmons. “Still, each of us must formulate our own plan of engagement. How can we use the specific and unique talents given us to advance the cause of justice? How can we assure that, over time, our commitment to that goal will not lessen even in the face of persistent challenges?” she said. “Eradicating the scourge of bias and discrimination and achieving a wholly inclusive and just society must be our ultimate goal.”
PVAMU holds silent vigil at Panther Stadium.
Click here to read President Simmons’ full message regarding the death of George Floyd: https://www.pvamu.edu/blog/message-to-the-pvamu-community-regarding-the-death-of-george-floyd/.
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