Racial justice group remembers George Floyd three years after his murder

NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ Members of Citizens for Racial Justice & Reform ‒ Tuscarawas County stood with signs in front of the Tuscarawas County Courthouse on Thursday to remember George Floyd on the third anniversary of his death.

Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in Floyd's death, is serving a sentence of 22 and a half years in prison.

Attorney Laura Grimes of Strasburg said she was demonstrating because the same things are occurring three years after Floyd's killing.

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"I work with the Ohio Public Defender's Office, where culture and Black lives are very important and the majority of the people that I represent are people of color, so it's important that I'm here," she said. "We'll continue to do this until something happens, something substantial changes."

Kari Sommers of Dover said she met other members of the racial justice and reform group in 2020 shortly after Floyd's death.

"I guess we're still trying to make some change," she said.

Alicia Hall of Bolivar came to bear witness "because I think it's an issue that is still relevant."

She said Floyd's death brought needed attention to matters that seem to get attention in cycles.

"Anytime you can bring awareness to a cause that benefits society and your neighbors, it's worthwhile," Hall said.

Mallory Gerstacker of New Philadelphia made signs for the group. The posters bore statements such as, "Unite against racism," "George Floyd mattered," "Black Lives Matter" and "Black lives still matter." The former art teacher put the messages on repurposed political signs that have been covered with paint. She also brought buttons and peace signs.

Some motorists honked and cheered in approval, while others honked and yelled disparaging comments during the group's one-hour witness that started at 5 p.m.

In a Facebook post Friday, group member Jen Grimes, Laura's wife, wrote that Floyd's death "sparked an awakening for many, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated racial injustices that persist within our society. While we honor his memory, we must also acknowledge the harsh reality that there is a considerable amount of work yet to be done."

Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.

On Twitter: @nmolnarTR

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Citizens for Racial Justice and Reform remembers George Floyd