Juneteenth Vigil of Remembrance

19 June 2014

Community gathered Thursday evening to honor the memories of loved ones no longer with us due to racist and unjust laws, courts, and police.  A crowd of more than 50 people arrived in Main Plaza with signs, portraits, and candles to speak out against the violence inflicted upon our communities.  Some of the names and images represented individuals whom were known personally to those attending the vigil, and some represented movement leaders and political prisoners who faced persecution as a result of the revolutionary work they were doing in their communities.

Patricia Castillo from the P.E.A.C.E. initiative opened the vigil with a prayer asking Creator for healing and peace.  Family members of Marquise Jones, the 23 year old father who was fatally shot by SAPD officer Robert Encina in February, then spoke on the grief and loss they have felt since passing of their nephew and son.  Youth from All of Us or None brought signs reading “Justice for Marquise” and “Indict Robert Encina.”  Other folks shared stories of people they wanted to remember who had been brutalized and killed by aggressive cops.  Most of the stories focused on people who had no means to defend themselves against this violence.

Before the lighting of the candles, Irasema Cavazos spoke about the significance of Juneteenth as a day to remember victims of modern day slavery and institutionalized racism.  Recent reports of mass graves on migrants in South Texas and the deplorable conditions of detainment facilities for undocumented youth causes one to wonder what has changed in the past 149 years, and what hasn’t.  Despite the horror of the situations that brought us together on that humid and breezy evening, we found solace in each other.  Diana Lopez concluded the vigil by reminding us of the importance of black and brown alliances as we confront systemic racism in our communities.  It was an honor to be a part of this healing space as people broke their silence and shared their hearts.  We move forward with hope for justice and determination to speak out and organize until that justice is achieved. 

first 2 photos by Joseph Guerra
3rd photo by Gloria Rubac
portrait of Marquise Jones by Rafael DelaGarza