George Floyd

Demonstrators Call for an End to Racism, Demand Change Across Conn.

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Demonstrators across the state are calling for an end to racism and are demanding change as we prepare to enter into week three of the peaceful protests.

The demonstrations and protests come more than a week after a memorial service for George Floyd, a black man who died after a white officer in Minneapolis pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he pleaded for air and stopped moving.

Since then, we have started to see some change here in the state and around the country, but demonstrators are still fighting for changes in systemic and institutional racism.

Here's a look at some of the protests and demonstrations planned for today in Connecticut:

New Haven

An anti-racist vigil was held in New Haven.

Members of the community gathered on Frank Street to reclaim the neighborhood through a vigil, according to event organizers.

"This street has had several racist incidents perpetrated by a man who has threatened to report Latinx immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Inforcement," event organizers said.

Several families in the area have had to move from their homes because of the threats, they added.

The vigil began at 10 a.m.

A prayer, protest and peace march was also being held in New Haven.

The march began in the parking lot at Varick AME Zion Church at noon and went to the New Haven Green.

Multiple speakers were expected including Gov. Ned Lamont and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, according to event organizers.

Bridgeport

Protesters with the group Justice for Jayson are camped outside of the Bridgeport Police Department in an attempt to push for "a city without police."

The group believes that Bridgeport has one of the most violent police forces in the state and the only way to stop the violence is by "moving toward their abolition."

"Every day they [police] are a violent occupying force who stalk our youth throughout the city and put them in their gang databases," the group said in a Facebook post.

The group says they and other community members will be occupying the police department until Monday, which is when the city council meets. Justice for Jayson is demanding the city council meeting be held publicity at City Hall.

Woodstock

Students in Woodstock held a protest in favor of police reform.

The event collected donations, had petition tables, speakers, musical performances and voter registration, according to one of the organizers.

The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

South Windsor

A meeting is being held at Nevers Park in South Windsor in support of Black Lives Matter.

The peaceful and passionate event will go from 10 a.m. through about 8 p.m. Water and snacks will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own signs.

Waterford

A protest march happened in Waterford.

The Walk for Justice started and ended at Clark Lane Middle School. A moment of silence was observed for eight minutes and 46 seconds, event organizers said.

Speeches were held at Town Hall and there was a voter registration table and donation table.

The event began at 12:30 p.m.

Police said there could be traffic delays and temporary road closures from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. due to the march and activity at Town Hall. Roads impacted include Clark Lane, Boston Post Road, Rope Ferry Road and Avery Lane.

Unionville

A silent march and memorial was held in Unionville.

It began at 12 p.m. at Unionville Center at the gazebo.

Bridgeport

A protest is being held in Bridgeport.

Participants will meet at Clinton Park in Bridgeport at the intersection of North and Brooklawn Avenue and will march into the Town of Fairfield.

Event organizers said their goal is to "promote the unity amongst people of all backgrounds, race and ethnicity in two communities that are so close geographically, but so different demographically."

East Haven

A peaceful gathering was held in East Haven.

The gathering is expected to be at the East Haven Police Department on North High Street started at 1 p.m.

"Please join us as we gather peacefully in honor of George Floyd, Malik Jones and all those we have lost to police brutality," event organizers posted on Instagram.

Lyme

Lyme and Old Lyme students rallied for racial justice in Lyme.

Participants were encouraged to bring a sign and wear a mask to help fight for change.

The event will began at 1 p.m. on the Lyme Town Green on Hamburg Road.

Norwich

A protest was held in Norwich.

Participants were expected to go from Norwich Marina to Norwich City Hall.

The peaceful protest began at 1 p.m.

Southbury

A peaceful protest was held in Southbury.

The protest was at the Playhouse Corner at 2 p.m.

Participants were reminded to remain respectful and peaceful.

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