Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile)

One final speaker steps forward: pastor Deshawn Williams He reminds us of America's legacy of slavery. That Black people today are "free-ish" "My brothers and my sisters, we must live in this hour...in our best life, despite those systematic challenges that confront us daily"

"we must cry out to let the systems of our oppressors know that we will live, and we will not die!" He talks about Jesus' promise of abundant living. "A social justice warrior. Black Jesus! Can I say that?" The crowd affirms that he can

He talks about the importance of this struggle in time. Part of something that came before, in the name of that which comes after About the importance of maintaining hope About our roles in upholding the hope in each other

"Go forth and live, because we cannot die in this hour...even if we grow tired, we must continue to move forward" He reminds white people how badly the movement needs them to use their privilege to advance the cause of justice

He closes with a prayer asking God to watch over the movement, to sustain it and show the right path. For those involved to stand strong. For unity The crowd applauds

The party will continue at the Red House, but this extremely cold reporter is going home to have hot toddies and either video games or reading, depending on how virtuous I feel Rest in Power, George Floyd Solidarity with everyone still out here

Epilogue: some editorializing Events like these correctly focus on the beauty and worth of the life lost. By all accounts George Floyd was a wonderful person: a father, a pillar of his community, beloved by friends and family alike We should commemorate these things, always