Derby aldermen unanimously approve George Floyd vigil

DERBY — The Valley NAACP will hold an evening vigil at the Derby Green on May 25, honoring the one- year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.

The city’s aldermen approved a request by the Valley NAACP to hold the vigil during its meeting last week.

Gabriella Koc, a member of the NAACP Ansonia branch’s planning committee, said it made sense to host the vigil in Derby.

“We had some stuff in Shelton, we had stuff in Ansonia. So, we figured ( Derby) would be a great place to have our memorial service,” she said.

More than a month ago, former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the 2020 murder of Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn. Floyd’s death ignited protests against police brutality and systemic racism across the nation, including several in the Naugatuck Valley over the summer.

Koc said she is expecting a gathering of no more than 100 people. Speakers are expected to include Greg Johnson, president of the NAACP Ansonia branch, and young people from cities in the area. The vigil is planned to start at 7: 30 p. m. and will last no more than an hour, she said.

Andrew Baklik, the city’s chief of staff, said that Tuesday’s event will be first time the city will host a vigil honoring Floyd.

“We support the NAACP and any kind of peaceful organization on the Green, he said.

Baklik also said that additional police will be assigned to the vigil, standard practice for any large gathering on the Green.

Koc said the vigil is an opportunity for the NAACP to connect with Derby residents.

“We'd love to show Derby some love and have a place, especially in the Valley,” she said.

None of the aldermen voiced any objections over the vigil.

Barbara DeGennaro, a first- ward alderwoman, asked about the timing. Koc said she scheduled the vigil for 7: 30 pm when it would still be light out and personally extended an invitation to the mayor.

The aldermen approved the request with no objections. Mayor Richard Dziekan said he planned to attend the vigil.

“I'm going to be in New York in the morning, I’ve got a doctor's appointment,” Dziekan said. “But I'm definitely planning on showing back up for that. So I will see you.”

Contributed photos Protesters lined the side of Huntington Green on May 31, 2020. The people were joining in a countrywide protest of Minneapolis man George Floyd’s death while in police custody. A vigil to honor Floyd is set for 7: 30 p. m. May 25 on Derby’s Green.

Missy Lundeen, of Ansonia, holds up a sign during a Unity Rally coordinated by New Beginnings Church of God held on the Derby Green on June 4, 2020.