George Floyd was a dreamer. Before he died at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis on May 25, he said he wanted to change the world. Perhaps he has.
Floyd was laid to rest in Houston, his hometown, on Tuesday. His death sparked protests around the world against racism and police brutality. Denver has seen at least 12 straight days of protests since May 28.
On Tuesday, Denver Public School board member Tay Anderson and CU student Nyaradzo Bere hosted a vigil starting in Civic Center Park honoring Floyd.
"We do need to remember the life of George Floyd and others who have passed away," said Ashira Campbell, a vigil attendee. "At this point we're done and we're tired of us being killed for exactly no reason. Racism can't be the excuse anymore."
Campbell said she's been out protesting for seven days.
"I'm on summer break, I should be relaxing right now," she said. "I'm gonna be in my senior year, I should not be here protesting how I feel about something that's been going on for 400 years."
Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser also spoke and the Spirit of Grace gospel music group sang the black national anthem and a song dedicated to Floyd.
Attendees started lighting their candles as the sun set over Denver, and the crowd went silent for 8 minutes and 46 seconds -- the length of time that a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck on May 25. And after the silence, a chant: "It is our duty to fight for our freedom, it is our duty to win, we must love one another, support one another, we have nothing to lose but our chains."
