LOUISVILLE, Ky. – March 13, 2020 Breonna Taylor she was shot and killed by police officers who broke into her door to hand her a search warrant.
A year later, her death and her name continue to encourage calls for change regarding police, systemic racism, and a range of other issues affecting residents of Louisville, Kentucky and countless other cities.
Numerous events and gatherings are scheduled for this weekend in major American cities – including New York,, Washington i Atlanta – in honor of a 26-year-old brunette.
In Louisville, hundreds gathered before 1pm on Saturday in Jefferson Square Park for the “Justice for Breona Taylor” rally and march.
Taylor’s mother Tamika Palmer and other family members lead the gathering, joined by numerous speakers and community organizers.
“This is not a celebration,” one speaker said. “This is the anniversary of something that shouldn’t have happened.”
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Later Saturday afternoon, the Breonna Taylor Foundation will sponsor a meal-sharing program in the park, and a pop-up center in honor of black companies will mark Taylor.
Weekend events in honor of Taylor will conclude Sunday with “The People Empowerment Brunch,” which will feature a number of speakers.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a statement Saturday morning on the anniversary of Taylor’s death.
“Today we remember Breonne Taylor, her tragic and unnecessary loss and the immense work ahead of us,” Beshear said. “I will never understand the unimaginable grief of Tamika Palmer and other families and loved ones, but I am committed to listening and working with others to build a fairer and fairer community for every Kentucky.”
FBI Field Office in Louisville make a statement On Saturday morning, saying that “she is actively investigating all aspects of her death and will continue to work diligently until this investigation is completed.”
Jefferson Square Park, which saw a series of protests last summer following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonne Taylor, is likely to get a marker placed this spring, according to a statement from Mayor Greg Fischer’s office.
The front of the marker will mention the “Racial Justice Protests of 2020” and the following message:
“Built in 1978, Jefferson Square Park remembers the first people killed in the line of duty. In 2020, it became a gathering place for those seeking justice for Breona Taylor, a black woman who was tragically killed by Louisville subway police and carried out a search. Protesters called this the ‘Park of Injustice’ space and held demonstrations that attracted global attention. “
Vincent James, the city’s head of community building, said the marker “will be a lasting reminder of the challenges we face as a city and a nation and of the work we are doing to move our city from tragedy to transformation”.
The following week, the city said it would also “work with families to remove and preserve memorials left in the park.”
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