By Amelia Colwell
Two upcoming events will commemorate the anniversary of Philando Castile’s death and invite community members to come together in the spirit of unity.
On Sunday, July 6, the community is invited to a candlelight vigil in the Philando Castile Peace Garden from 8:35 – 9:00 p.m., marking the date, time, and place he was killed. The Philando Castile Peace Garden is located on Larpenteur Avenue in Falcon Heights, near the north entrance to the Minnesota State Fair.
The Peace Garden is accessible by the Route 61 bus line, and parking will be available at Good Acre, located at 1790 Larpenteur Ave. West in Falcon Heights.
This free event will be held rain or shine, and battery-operated candles will be provided.
Valerie Castile, Philando’s mother and community activist, will speak, and a pastor will offer a prayer. The microphone will then be opened up to the community for sharing.
Castile said, “I want to know: what have you done for community as a result of the loss of Philando? His death should never have happened. The candlelight vigil is not about me — I want to know how his death has affected you.”
On Monday, July 7, a Unity BBQ open to the public will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the lawn of Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave. West. The event’s goal is to bring community members together in unity, conversation and social connection.
Of the event, Castile said, “Unity in community keeps me going. It helps me to know that out of this tragedy of the death of my son, there is still hope, love and understanding. I want to show you love in universal ways — through food and music. We are all spiritual beings going through a human experience. Everything you see in me was in Philando.”
(In a traffic stop on July 6, 2016, Philando was shot and killed by a police officer.)
Live entertainment will include a DJ, emcee, dance groups, vocalists and spoken word performance artists.
Food and beverages will be provided free of charge and will include Logan’s Catfish food truck featuring catfish, fries, coleslaw and corn, in addition to water and juice.
Community organizations will staff a table at the event, and there will be art activities for kids. Parking will be available at Falcon Heights City Hall and nearby side streets.
Submitted article from Amelia Colwell, a local freelance writer.
Photo cutlines: Philando Castile. Submitted photo.
A candlelight vigil will be held from 8:35 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 6 at The Philando Castile Peace Garden in remembrance of the St. Paul man who was slain by a police officer on July 6, 2016 in Falcon Heights. Submitted photo.