NAACP SPEAKS OUT

Three local branches demand justice, equality at vigil

Three local branches of the NAACP called for justice and equality in an evening vigil in Elyria.

The Elyria, Lorain and Oberlin units of the NAACP came together in a moment of solidarity against discrimination following the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department.

“Peace and power. That’s what I believe in,” said E. Jean Wrice, president of the Lorain unit of the NAACP. “Over the years how many more do we have to endure? Think about that.”

She said grandparents and parents are continuing to see many of the same problems that existed during the civil rights movement and called for justice.

“And here we are in the third generation and we are still fighting, pleading to be treated equally for all people.”

— E. Jean Wrice

“And here we are in the third generation and we are still fighting, pleading to be treated equally for all people. So this is the time to come together for unity, peace and love and love one another and show that you love one another,” Wrice said.

The NAACP said they were united in their grief and righteous indignation at the ongoing senseless deaths around the country.

As an association, they raise their collective voices to address inequality and injustice to eradicate unlawful conditions men and women are facing in this time of unrest everywhere.

“It’s years later and yet we are still here,” said Regan Phillips, Elyria NAACP second vice-president.

“As outraged and sad as we are, all the expressions that we have, we have to execute actions, mobilize, strategize, organize,” Phillips added. “We need to demand justice and reform… We are bigger than begging to not be murdered.”

The release has the names of African Americans who were killed in high profile cases in 2020, including George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

Floyd, 46, died on May 25 in Minneapolis after being held down with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, prompting outrage and calls for systemic change across the country.

Chauvin is facing second-degree murder charges and three other officers at the scene are charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Erica Jackson speaks at a vigil at the South Park pavilion in Elyria on June 5in calling for justice and equality in a moment of solidarity with local NAACP branches.