By Sue Gehrz and Valerie Castile

The Friends of the Philando Castile Peace Garden invite you to visit our contemplative gathering space for peace, justice and healing this year.

The Peace Garden exists to remember Philando Castile, who devoted his life to providing food and kindness to children in St. Paul Public Schools. As a dietary manager, he knew each student’s name and dietary needs. A parent referred to him as “Mr. Rogers with dreadlocks.”

Philando was loved by many people.

On July 6, 2016, a police officer pulled Philando over in Falcon Heights and killed him. In response, people came to the place where he died to share in their shock, anger and grief. They left art, toys, flowers and gifts, and found connection. An alliance of Philando’s family, community residents, artists and others discussed ways to turn the site into a permanent memorial.

The Philando Castile Community Peace Garden is now a 7,000-square-foot contemplative gathering space. A tree and a cosmogram with inscriptions reflect elements of Philando’s life. Lining the stairway and pathways are flowers, trees, shrubs and metal structures based on African Adinkra symbols representing peace, unity, endurance and love. A circular bench and steps reflect the details of Philando’s death.

In 2024, we began a garden renewal project, which installed additional seating, new lighting to improve safety and accessibility and a medallion to commemorate Philando.

In 2025, we plan to install additional gardens along the west pathway, secure water access and hang art frames to feature community art pieces.

Our vision is to tell the story of how Philando’s death inspired communities to come together for creative expression, acts of remembrance, conversation, personal reflection and engagement around issues of justice, racial equity, cross-cultural understanding and reconciliation.

If you’re looking for ways to engage in community, we invite you to:

• Visit the Philando Castile Peace Garden as an individual, group or community gathering. The space is for everyone. Located on Larpenteur Avenue in Falcon Heights near the Minnesota State Fair’s north entrance, it’s accessible via the Route 61 bus.

• Volunteer in the Garden. Sign up at philandocastile-peacegarden.org/volunteer.

• Attend the candlelight vigil honoring Philando on July 6. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at philandocastile-peacegarden.org.

• Make a donation online at
philandocastile-peacegarden.org or mail a check to: The Friends of the Philando Castile Peace Garden, 1480 Applewood Court W., Unit 401, Roseville MN 55113. 

Sue Gehrz and Valerie Castile are the chair and vice chair, respectively, of Friends of the Philando Castile Peace Garden.

Photo: Valerie Castile in the Philando Castile Peace Garden. Submitted photo.